it takes a campus

Friendship As Comfort

College roommates are notoriously difficult. Coming to college is the first time a lot of people have ever lived with people besides close family, so naturally issues arise and conflicts brew. With all the turbulence that can occur with rooming with someone, having a roommate who is a friend and confidant truly becomes a luxury, and something to cherish. Feeling comfortable and comforted at home is something Ella and Amaeka have been privileged to find in each other as roommates.

Their friendship is a deep sigh of relief after a long day, knowing there is someone at home who is there for you.

Whenever I get the chance to third wheel this dynamic duo, I immediately feel lighter; through laughter, lounging around their dorm, in debriefs, and even in silence, the comfort Ella and Amaeka have cultivated in their space is undeniable.

The sisterly bond they share goes deeper than just proximity or shared interests, it’s a testament to what can happen when someone takes their time to understand you fully, flaws and all, and choose to love you despite.

Ella Stern(she/her)

21, Pelham, NY

Class of 2023

Amaeka Effiong

22, Gaithersburg, MD

Class of 2023