Never Can Say Goodbye

Today, I decided to take a different approach and dedicate my blog to two of my friends who have graced my life with their presence, and have moved on to bigger and better things in life. These are friendships developed out of a summer program at the University of Michigan, but before I begin, a brief background, perhaps?:

The Summer Bridge Program, or Bridge, was a program that we ("we" referring to almost 200 minority students) were forced to go to two weeks after we graduated from high school. In addition, we had to pay a $300 ($500?) fee which essentially was all of the money I received from my open house. All Bridge students were required to stay in the Mary Markley dormitory, a place known for bug infestations, bats, and rooms which felt like sweatboxes. We did have great Peer Advisors (PAs) who were always willing to provide a listening ear or help with homework (IF there weren't thirsty females desperately trying to catch the eye of attractive PAs through practically throwing themselves at people as if they never laid eyes on man/woman before...but that's a different story.) There were rumors, parties, hook-ups, MIPs, friendships formed that lasted the duration of college, and friendships that ended at the start of the Fall 2005 semester.

Oh and me? It's safe to say that at the time, I hated Bridge. We were constantly threatened by PAs to not go home, "or else." Since the "or else" was never clearly defined, I made it a point to go home damn near every weekend. When I wasn't home, I was in my sweatbox watching Missy Elliot, Dem Franchise Boys, and B5 videos on BET. For the most part, I maintained a low profile in Bridge (I was still very shy). I WAS, however, know as "the girl the satin pjs and sheets."

Luckily for me, there were people who made Bridge, and/or life after Bridge, exciting and helped me to understand the other aspect of going to college that falls outside the realms of academia. We'll start with....

Branden (bka B, B-Sneez, or "Dora" to some) Snyder- I met Branden in Bridge and he was randomly chilling with Kelli Keno. While we probably don't remember many details to our first meeting, we 'd both agree that we met at the ice cream social that night. From then on, we began a friendship that continued to grow throughout college as we shared many of the same interests, ESPECIALLY in music. The one thing that would always lead to a friendly (ha) debate between the two of us was the "eastside Detroit vs. westside Detroit" arguments, and even so, I enjoyed them all. While I have millions of favorite memories with B, I think one of my favorites thus far is the birthday party in the Union. He initially planned to have birthday celebration at BW3's that night, but because it was packed, we celebrated in the basement of the Union. In place of a birthday cake, he decides to get a large box of cookies from Mrs. Fields, and as he's bringing the box over to the table, he accidentally drops it on the floor. LMAO (don't kill me for laughing B!) The night still ended up being a great night, and he had many people come out for support. I could list wayyy more memories (especially the story when he first talked to my stalker) but that would take forever. Just wanted to say I love you Branden (with an 'e') and I wish you the best in Houston. You were able to do so much for Detroit before you left, and I can't wait to hear what you'll do in Houston. You have been a great friend, always there for me in my time of need, and little do you know, I look at you as not only a friend, but a role model. I'm still coming to visit! Just make sure you have that A/C on blast cause you know I hate heat. -___-

Elena (zka BESTIE!, B3, Elener, ESimp) Simpkins- Wow, where to start? The first time we met was actually through my Bridge roomie, Amede. They came into the room together, it was a quick introduction, and that was all. Fast forward to freshman year, and Elena and I happened to be in the same all-girls dorm, Helen Newberry. I'm not sure how we officially became friends, but it was ironic since I was the one hanging with Elener, and Amede wasn't (though she was still my roommate freshman year!) As I was telling someone the other day, one of the difficult things about Elena leaving U of M, was that she was and IS a genuine friend, and that's hard to find. She's very selfless (remember sneaking me food in Fall 2007?), and she's never abandoned me for any clique, significant other, or organization/group. It's hard to choose, but some of my favorite memories with Elena are the times when we were OWT freshmen! When I say we went to ev-er-ry-thang, I mean, EV-ER-RY-THANG. Studio 4, Club Oz, Sigma parties, Alpha parties, Kappa parties, Que parties, Lambda parties, Pike parties (failed attempt), parties in the Union, Black Homecomings, parties on the Diag- we went and did everything together. Let's not forget the night we decided to "ghostride the whip." So, as grad school looms ahead, and people start advertising for upcoming events, icebreakers, and so forth, it will take everything that I have to not snatch up my phone and text her "Man, what YOU doin?" My bestie is not here to hang with me.... In any case, I shall not look at the distance as a destroyer of a 5-year friendship! I'm honored to be your Dean, soror, party buddy, but most of all, best friend. I love you and I owe you a visit too. Just make room for me!

Reflecting on Bridge going into my freshman year, and now as an Alum of U of M, I am forever grateful of the Summer Bridge Program. Yes it took away my summer in 2005, yes it forced me to go to school earlier than anticipated, and yes it took my precious, open house funds, but it gave me something more valuable instead- friends. And I can honestly say that these are friends who I've shared majority of my best memories with at U of M. From spending countless hours playing Scene-It, partying on the Diag for Vanguards, making videos of me beating up John B in hallways, to hiding in dorm rooms to celebrate my birthday with cupcakes since a certain person was on "lock-down." *cough* It frustrates me to not have documented these memories, but they will, as they always do, resurface when I least expect it.

Until then, I will cherish spending time with the people who are still here including my wonderful, caring bestie with a vocabulary that craps on Noah Webster's, Brittney Williams, the loving, always cheerful, and strong in faith Sharonda, my "down for anything" and super intelligent roomie Arkisha, the cool, funny but "proned to start fights" Jason, the "no CPT time, but I can be late" and talented Corey, my Bridge buddy/Greek cousin/Chicago traveling partner Anfernee, the Gorgeously Dynamic women of GAMMA DELTA, as well as a list of others. I love you all and thank for adding to my Michigan experience for I couldn't have made it through without you.

GO BLUE!