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College is an exciting time full of independence and opportunity- a great leap from all things familiar into the great unknown. However, this leap requires sacrifice. As one embarks on their collegiate journey, they must leave behind their home and family. Naturally, this transition is difficult for many as a part of their identity is not physically present.
Growing up, I had a wonderful home life, full of nightly family dinners, supporting one another at games and recitals, and spending quality time with one another. When I left home for college, however, I felt at a loss. I missed my family so ridiculously much that I questioned whether or not I had made the right choice of coming to Louisville. I considered going home and doubted my ability to withstand such a huge transition. However, I had the advantage of entering UofL with “nine built-in best friends,” as the McConnell Center likes to say. As cliché, yet reassuring, as it sounds, it’s true. The other freshmen McConnells have quickly become my best friends this semester. Upon meeting one another and spending time together toward the end of this summer, we formed a natural bond, an amazingly air-tight chemistry. And because of that chemistry, we formed a family of our own on campus.
From the outside looking in, you’d guess that the ten of us have known each other for a lifetime, rather than simply being strangers just a couple months ago. Our bond is deeper than a friendship. We have become a sounding board for one another by being open to each other’s backgrounds. We have created a safe space for one another to channel our deepest emotions and to showcase our biggest triumphs and defeats. These people are the first of which I call up when I need to cry on the floor. They are the first people who I call when I have an abundant amount of energy that requires release (and trips to Walmart or Burger Boy at ungodly hours of the night.) They are the first people I call when I need to vent my stresses, when I want to grab lunch or catch a movie, and when I’m afraid to walk alone on campus at night.
I look to these people as a source of peace in the midst of the chaos that is college. Abigail, Allison, Ashanti, Claire, Jakob, Noah, Sydney, Tanner, and Thomas are more than just my fellow scholars and friends. Within each of these amazing individuals I see not only their intellect and status here on campus, but their character. I’ve had the privilege of sitting down for hours with each of them, learning about their hometowns and their family dynamics. I’ve learned about why they are who they are and who they wish to become. I’m honored to be trusted by them, to be appreciated by them, and to be respected by them.
Our relationship is unique and unmanufactured. It is more than trips to the grocery store, movie nights, inside jokes, group messages, tea times, shared meals, study groups, or piling on the couch with one another after a long week. We’ve seen the best and worst of one another and yet here we are, remaining loyal to one another. Because of them, my stresses and doubts are put at ease. They have encouraged me, held me accountable, and taken care of me. There is not a moment with them that lacks joy. Each and every one of them is intentional, compassionate, and selfless. Because of them my purpose here at UofL has been solidified. I want to be here. I am glad to be here. And I hope I too, have inspired at least one of them as they have inspired me.
While my biological family awaits for me at home, I can rest assured knowing that I have a family here in Louisville with whom I have the pleasure of creating new traditions and memories with during our four years here, and for that I am forever grateful.
Julia Blackburn is a McConnell Scholar in the Class of 2023. She is studying biology, visual arts, and political science at the University of Louisville.