E, myself, R, and C. This is probably the first film photo I have of myself turning 22. No better way to spend it than with my favourite girls from my semester abroad roaming the streets of a new city.
Barcelona, Spain
C, K, and N.
This was our first meal together since N had moved to a new city and we hadn't been in touch for months. The moment we sat down, it was like nothing had changed. I hope that no matter where life takes us and no matter how much life gets in the way, we will always make time for one another.
Seaport, Boston, MA
I, A, S, and myself
Last summer, my lab mates and I took a little day trip down to the Cape as it was A and S's first time here. After a day of strolling the town, getting matching lobster plushies, and frantically eating melting ice cream, we ended up strolling by the pier before dinner. I think of them a lot, and how they were such a highlight to that summer of mine.
Cape Cod, MA
D & A
At the top of my list of things I love is frozen yogurt; at the bottom is sharing a mouse-infested room in a sticky frat house with other people in a bunk bed for an entire summer. However, it is thanks to the latter that I was able to enjoy the former with newly made friends. But seriously, never again. Ever.
Harvard Sq, MA
If you know me well enough, you've heard all about my time on the hill for boarding school. This is to say if you know me well enough, you know of S, pictured here, and how she is a big reason why I look back on those 3 years in the middle of nowhere so fondly. Our friendship has transcended time, distance, and growth. May it forever be this way.
Washington, D.C.
I & T
The first time I met I & T, they revealed information they should not have to me in a way that left me crying on the floor of their sticky frat house. Flash forwards 5 semesters later, the only times they have made me cry since is from genuine laughter at jokes I cannot remember let alone recite. It's been a minute since I've seen them; I miss them more than they know.
Boston, MA
R & C
After E left Barcelona to hang out with family (so dearly missed), R, C, and I embarked on our journey to Lisbon — where I realised stairs are my worst nightmare and that pastéis de nata are my calling. Also, don't ask us about my attempt at finding seaglass without being swept away by the currents... we're saving that one for a reunion many years from now when they gain the title of 'Best Aunts' to my future kids.
Lisbon, Portugal
I, J, M, K
I don't remember much about this night besides the fact that we had a lot of fun (perhaps too much fun) at J's expense (we love you!). I don't know when the next time is that we will all be in the same room, but I hope that they look back at nights like these fondly, no matter how blurry they may be, as I always do.
Boston, MA
N and I
I could tell you about the first time I met N in a TZE tea and how nervous she was, or how all of our PSet sessions since have been the most unproductive yet funniest hours of our academic lives... But I'll keep it short and sweet and just tell you that N is the first person I look for in every room I enter. May you also find your N just as I have found mine.
Wellesley, MA
R & V
When I first met V during Rush Week (hell week, really), his radiance and genuine care stood out to me most. Perhaps that's why it wasn't all too surprising to find out that he is indeed related to R, whose hello hugs and small talk everytime he saw me when I was first introduced to the frat (and still until today) made me feel more welcomed than he knows. Here's to all the radiant people in my life.
Boston, MA
This is more of an ode to the T than it is to C & I for it was the last time I took the T before leaving for study abroad (and it's okay, C & I already know how much I love them). Legend has it you become a true Bostonian when you develop a deep hatred for the T - especially the Green Line. Legend also has it you become a true-er Bostonian when you start to miss how bad the T is. I don't make the rules.
Green line, Somewhere-Underneath-Boston, MA
I first met O first-year Fall, but it wasn't until TZE that Spring that we got close... and it wasn't until a few songs on karaoke and night outs later that we got even closer. She is bright, resilient, and hilarious - that is to say I want to be her when I grow up. But for now, I'm more than honoured I get to be her friend.
Boston, MA
Venice was my second weekend trip while studying abroad—and my first group trip. I only knew M, who lived on my floor, but we dropped our bags and went straight for a $4 spritz (which, honestly, was perfect). A few tipsy rounds of Jenga and several arancini later, it was clear we all got along just fine. Here’s to new friends and the adventures that bring us together.
Venice, Italy