stay up late.

About 75% of the memories I will really hold onto from my freshman year of college happened after 12am. Now any normal person would probably jump to the conclusion that I'm talking about going to parties and getting wasted like a stereotypical freshman is "supposed to," but it's almost the exact opposite. I am not that type of person at all, never have been and probably never will be. What I'm talking about is making real lasting memories staying up late with people. Staying in the dorms, but up in my friends room where we just sit on his bed and talk about everything and send stupid snapchats to see if anyone else is up. Watching stupid youtube videos that would not be nearly as funny at any other hour of the day. Hitting that point of delusion at 3am, rolling on the bed laughing for no reason at all. Watching episodes of Family Guy or playing a crap ton of Mario Cart till our eyes start to hurt. Realizing that we are hungry at 1am and driving around trying to find any place open that has food, and when you finally find a place, sitting on the curb, eating on the empty street. Hanging out in the dorm lobby with awesome people watching movies and laughing at others coming back drunk. Getting in the car and just driving just because. Driving straight down a road till it comes to a dead end and you have to turn around. One of the best decisions I've made this year is staying up late. I've gotten so much closer with people, making lasting friendships with them and had so many laughs and so much fun doing it. Totally worth the sleep deprivation. I'm just so lucky to get to have these memories. 

Julia Carrington