Making new friends: All thanks to staying in for ‘Sneaux-Mageddon’ 

As many of us know, this past week has been a miracle in itself, from around 10 inches of snow on southern Louisiana soil to no school for a week straight. Yet the funny thing is, as much as I enjoyed both of these astonishing events, my most cherished moment was being stuck in the house. 

Currently, I live in a house with 16 people. I know, I know, it seems like a lot but in actuality, we really do not see each other that often. This is typically because of the fact that we are all insanely busy with work and school. The house itself is split between three bedrooms, with two people in each. Then there are six dorm rooms that reside on the outside with about two people in each, excluding myself and one other person. 

When I first moved in, it was in the middle of the 2024 fall semester; due to personal issues occurring in my previous residency, I was in a desperate attempt to get out. Thankfully, with the help of a close friend, I was able to move in. 

A blessing in disguise I might add, because this also meant that I was now jumping into a random house that I had no prior knowledge of before. I will say, however, it has been a great place to live but in the beginning, it was difficult coming in as the new girl whereas everyone else was already connected with one another. 

In all honesty, it was definitely weird for me at the start. I barely knew anyone’s names, pretty much everyone was older than me and I had never even talked to the majority of them–the transition was not the easiest, to say the least. 

Throughout the rest of that semester I kind of just minded my business, only talked to the people I did know, and essentially moved on with my life. However, when the spring semester rolled around, the case did not stay the same. 

With only three days of school, we were already out on what felt like another winter break. The snow was constantly pouring in and South Louisiana became the new Colorado. It was honestly a miracle. 

Since we students had no other options, other than to play in the snow or snuggle up with some hot chocolate, my fellow housemates and I saw each other incredibly often. Being stuck in the house destined us all to converse with one another. 

This opportunity allowed me to connect better with those I lived with. Throughout that week, I managed to have multiple one-on-one conversations with each person. I will not lie, I was not looking for a conversation with each person, it sort of just happened. 

Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining in any way, but I find it intriguing how easily we were able to relate with one another. Whether it was something simple, like talking about coffee or being able to share deeper and more personal topics. 

On one of the days that week, another girl and I had both ended up on the couch, trying to accomplish some schoolwork. 

All I can say is one word led to another and we both relayed personal struggles to each other. It seems silly, but I genuinely felt bonded to her after that. 

On the day of what seemed like a blizzard, the whole house decided that we wanted to go on campus and explore. From wrestling in the snow to taking scenic pictures, my heart had never felt so much joy before. 

The laughs, the screams, the snowball fights, every moment was pure delight. My smile had never left my face that day. 

Conversations sparked more and more for me and I finally felt connected to the house. Not that I had tension with anyone before, but now, I am even more delighted to see their faces when I get the chance. Now we watch movies, do homework together, and even hang out outside of the house. 

It is the small little moments like these that I lacked over the fall semester. 

At the time, I did not feel like I was necessarily missing anything but now that I have gained these relationships, I would hate to see them go. 

I will say, however, that now that school has started, our schedules have amped up again. I see everyone, every now and then but not at a constant rate like that week. 

Yet, somehow, I feel a sense of security in my relationship with them. 

I have so much love for these people it is indescribable, and not to be niche but I finally feel like I fit in, and it feels really good.