Today I want to take a little trip down memory lane to introduce to you, my loyal blog readers and followers, two of the most influential people in my life. Their names are Meagan and Railie. And I would not be where I am or who I am today without them.

Let’s Throw It All The Way Back To Freshman Year

I’m walking into my freshman year biology class and anxiously looking around for somewhere to sit. I notice an end-seat open on the row to my left and decide that’s a good place for me – I’ll only have to sit next to one new person instead of two (let’s not forget I was a shy freshman at the time). As soon as I plant myself down, a girl one seat over pops her head forward, leans towards me and says, “Hi! I’m Meagan, what’s your name?”. I’m thinking, great, I have to socialize now.

We strike up a small conversation which led to us both sharing that we were a part of Undergraduate Studies and hoping to transfer to the School of Nursing in the fall (Read my post: My Not So Picture-Perfect Journey to Nursing: A Quick Synopsis to learn more about this). My attitude immediately changed, and I was happy she introduced herself to me. I had yet to meet anyone in the same position as I was and left feeling a little less alone after our conversation. I had someone to talk to who would understand my stress and anxiety about the process.

The Biology Project

The semester went on, and I’ll spare you all the unnecessary details, but over time Meagan and I became closer as friends. Towards the end of the semester, we had to complete a group project which involved video-interviewing a healthcare worker in the community about their life/career/etc. Meagan and I decided to be in a group together and she asked if one of her good friends in a different section could join in with us. Not knowing anyone else in the course, I said sure.

The day finally arrives in which we are going to film our interview.

We all meet up at the Student Activity Center located in the heart of UT Campus, and in walks this girl with strong RBF. If you don’t know what RBF is, I recommend looking it up. She starts commanding each of us to sit certain places, practice interview questions, and basically do whatever she says. I’m sitting there, thinking “whoa”. I’m confused because Meagan is just about the sweetest, kindest, most admirable person I’ve ever met, and she’s friends with, well, that girl.

Now we have to edit the video, meaning we have to meet up again in order to do so – great. This time we end up at the PCL, the freshman study spot on campus. The evening began with editing, small talk, and periodic silence as we worked on our project. However, it ended with tears of laughter, smiles from ear to ear, and a newly blossomed friendship. How did this happen? Well, I got to know this girl for real. This girl’s name, was Railie. And it finally clicked as to why Meagan associated with her – she was also the sweetest, kindest, and most admirable person I’ve ever met.

I later found out that Railie was also hoping to transfer to the School of Nursing. It was fate. We were meant to be.

Today

Now we are living together in our cute little North Austin apartment, like three peas in a pod. Over the past 3 years, we have laughed together, studied together, cried together, gone on adventures together, and basically become who we are today – together.

I’m not sure if I would have made it this far without them. We have gone on this journey through nursing school together. That creates a bond like no other.

If You’re In Nursing School – Listen Up

Listen, if you are about to enter nursing school or you are in it currently, you NEED to have friends in the program with you. You need them to get through all the awfulness – and goodness – that nursing school brings you. They will understand you and your situation like nobody else quite can. They will even understand what you mean when you say your patient was A&Ox2 on 2L NC with a Hx of STEMI and NIDDM.

They will become your best friends, it’s almost guaranteed. You will end up spending so much time together that it just happens. But that’s the best part about it. They’ll start as friends that help get you through school, but end up being the people you’ll have standing by your side on your wedding day. They’ll become your NSBBFs.

P.S. If you are in nursing school and need a friend – you’ve got one right here.

Much love,

Lovisa Kay