The Odd Man Out
The end of summer is always a bummer. As the weather gets colder and tans fade away, the thing we kids dread the most is, dare I say it, the beginning of school. But my attitude toward school has changed for the better. College is such a great experience; I really love the friends I have, Arcadia’s campus, and the neighboring towns like Willow Grove and Jenkintown. This year, I looked forward to getting my schedule and, most importantly, moving in with my roommates.
After my first year on campus, I had a lot more options as to where I wanted to live. I could pick between Oak Summit, Knight Hall, Thomas, or even off-campus housing. I really had no preference, just as long as I got a single room. Picking your housing after your first year is pretty simple: You get points based on your number of semesters enrolled, number of semesters on campus, number of semesters abroad, and what year you are. They all get added up and, based on your number, you get assigned a time slot. Since it’s first-come, first-served, it is wise to pair up with your friends or whoever you plan to room with and have the person with the most points choose for the group.
The dynamic of our group probably is not that much different than any other, despite living co-ed. We sometimes get on each other’s nerves, with me taking the role of annoying brother, and Kelly, Lydia, and Maria my equally annoying sisters.
– Nick Schiavo
Last spring, I made plans with friends that unfortunately fell through. As the housing deadline drew closer, I was getting more anxious to find the living situation I wanted. A few days before the selection, I was chatting with my friends Kelly, Lydia, and Maria, and learned that they needed a roommate for their group. They were moving into Oak Summit’s “Maples” apartments, which contain one master room and one standard room.
At first, I joked about joining their group so they wouldn’t have to room with a stranger. But on the day of the housing selection, I found that all of the singles in Thomas were taken. I gave my friends a ring. Without hesitation, they let me join their group. Lo and behold, I was not going to be homeless after all.
“You’re living with three girls?” is the question I received from all my friends and family. I was not really phased or worried about it—I am a pretty easy going guy, and Kelly, Lydia, and Maria are pretty easy going girls. I was the last of the group to move in, and as I opened the door to the apartment, I was immediately greeted with cheers and hugs. I knew it was going to be a great year.
The dynamic of our group probably is not that much different than any other, despite living co-ed. We sometimes get on each other’s nerves, with me taking the role of annoying brother, and Kelly, Lydia, and Maria my equally annoying sisters. Sometimes, I’m too loud playing video games at night; the walls are really thin, so I am greeted with a loud bang on the wall. Other nights, I close my door and go to bed before they do so I won’t be interrupted when I’m trying to sleep.
But no matter how many times we get on each other’s nerves, we always make time for a family dinner (whether it’s cooked or from a fast food joint). At least once a week we are able to sit around and enjoy each other’s company. I’ve always wanted siblings, so in a way I get to finally experience that.
Hard to believe that what started out as a joke has turned into something very special that I value immensely. It may seem like a weird dynamic to others, but the four of us have developed a unique, familial bond. I am so grateful for you Kelly, you Lydia, and you Maria—thank you for being my adopted sisters. Here’s to a great rest of the year!
