In just over 2 weeks from this date, I would be off to move in at Valparaiso University (ValpU).
But this day, around 9 AM, I was at Chicago Union Station, to start a friendship with the remarkable Zachary (Zach) Mashburn. We were assigned as roommates, to share a space together for our first year. We decided to meet ahead of time, and so we spent this day ambling around in Chicago, in the downtown area, and then getting out to some neighborhoods on the near Southwest Side.
We began a great relationship that day, getting along so well that we ended up spending nearly three years together as roommates during our shared time at ValpU. We would enjoy many other moments together, from Lankenau Hall to Wehrenberg Hall, and then some, especially as we shared the experience of the meteorology major. And there were some less than savory experiences that we would commiserate over together.
We began a great relationship that day, getting along so well that we ended up spending nearly three years together as roommates during our shared time at ValpU. We would enjoy many other moments together, from Lankenau Hall to Wehrenberg Hall, and then some, especially as we shared the experience of the meteorology major. And there were some less than savory experiences that we would commiserate over together.
There are only a few people in my life who I would consider very close friends--many of which started in college, in fact--and Zach is among them. From the start of our time together, he would demonstrate himself to be a friend like no other--true "kindred spirit" as my Grandma might say.
When being more or less randomly assigned a college roommate can certainly open up a range of possibilities, some of them not so good, to put it lightly, I was incredibly fortunate to be placed with Zach. It certainly helped that we shared similar perspectives on the often controversial topics of politics and religion. We certainly shared a number of laughs cracking jokes on certain politicians--who, for the purpose of this blog, shall remain unnamed. I also appreciate the godliness Zach has shown, which was an encouragement to me during my college years, when many positive influences bolstered my faith.
I would also always be amazed at how Zach is so accommodating, as he sought to ensure I was comfortable in the space we shared. And he's polite, drawing from his Southern upbringing, addressing other adults as "ma'am" and "sir", even the waitress at the restaurant we went to once, who we found out was younger than both of us.
I would also always be amazed at how Zach is so accommodating, as he sought to ensure I was comfortable in the space we shared. And he's polite, drawing from his Southern upbringing, addressing other adults as "ma'am" and "sir", even the waitress at the restaurant we went to once, who we found out was younger than both of us.
I've furthermore appreciated the support Zach has shown me. He's helped me really open up by being present with a listening ear whenever I have a problem or some other issue I'm facing. It was a big help throughout our time in college, with all the stresses, both academic and personal, even after the time we ceased being roommates. Plus, he's a great person just to spend time with, and I've been glad to have opportunities since graduation to do just that. He also has an interesting sense of humor, with phrases like, "Sleep is for the weak", and "Pencils are for people who make mistakes", always spoken with a smirk.
We certainly forged a special bond, and it's one I still feel to this day, as it transcends time and space. And that's why I'm celebrating the gift of friendship this day with Zach.
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