A Love Letter to My College Friends
From a Quarter-Life Crisis to Finding Confidence, the Women of Simmons Showed Me the Power of Camaraderie and Growth
There’s an undeniable magic in female friendships—a steadfast, quiet strength that uplifts you in ways you never knew you needed. These connections transcend shared laughter or late-night heart-to-hearts; they are built on deep understanding, unspoken empathy, and a bond that fosters profound growth. For me, these friendships have been transformative, and I owe so much of who I am today to the extraordinary women I’ve had the privilege of calling my friends.
Simmons, my women-centered university, was the foundation for these life-changing relationships. It wasn’t just a place to earn a degree—it was a space of connection, nurturing, and self-discovery. But my journey there wasn’t always smooth.
After my first semester, I faced what felt like a quarter-life crisis. With disappointing grades and overwhelming doubt, I questioned everything. At the time, I was focused on STEM—a field I believed would offer stability and success—but it didn’t feel right. In a moment of bold (and slightly desperate) reinvention, I decided to switch to finance. My mother was horrified. She couldn’t understand why I would abandon the sciences, and honestly, neither could I.
I prepared to step into the business program completely alone, unsure of where I’d end up in a few years. But as I worked to convince myself this was the right choice, I accidentally convinced my friend Mimi to join me. That decision marked the beginning of something extraordinary.
By sophomore year, I found my people—a group of brilliant, driven women pursuing finance, business administration, and accounting. We often joked about being a walking diversity poster, and it wasn’t far from the truth. As women in business, we represented a minority within Simmons, a school primarily known for nursing and social work. Yet, we brought unique perspectives, shared stories that shaped us, and were bound together by an unrelenting drive to succeed.
These remarkable women became my lifeline. They transformed study rooms and boring Zoom lectures into havens of laughter and camaraderie, joined me on adventures around Boston, and turned meals into moments of connection—whether we were suffering through unappetizing university lunches or savoring dinners that felt like a well-earned escape from the dining hall. Together, we created countless memories—moments of joy, resilience, and connection that I will treasure forever. Our little sisterhood became my anchor, the reason I chose to stay at Simmons—a school I had once thought I might transfer out of.
Their belief in me didn’t just help me survive—it empowered me to thrive. Sophomore year, I took a leap and ran for student senate; with their unwavering encouragement, I won. By junior year, I secured an incredible internship that offered invaluable learning experiences. Senior year brought even greater opportunities as I stepped into the role of Business Liaison President—a position that challenged me to lead, innovate, and grow in ways I never imagined. These leadership experiences were instrumental in shaping my career journey, even though I ultimately chose a path outside of finance. Most importantly, they helped me evolve into a more confident and optimistic person.
These friendships gave me the space to be myself, even when I wasn’t sure who that was. Knowing that one of them would always be in my classes gave me the courage to show up, to try, and to create a confident persona—even on days when I felt anything but. They saw potential in me long before I could see it in myself, and that belief changed everything.
When I think back on my time at Simmons, it’s not the lectures or the textbooks that come to mind—it’s these women. It’s the moments we shared, the laughter that filled our days, and the bond we built. We weren’t just classmates; we were a family.
Together, we faced everything life threw our way—a global pandemic, the struggles of new adulthood, and yes, even those unforgettable encounters with horrible professors (iykyk). Through it all, they were there, lifting me up, pushing me forward, and reminding me of the unshakable power of sisterhood.
To Catie, Christina, Cindy, Jia, Josephine, Mageney, Mimi, Nadiia, Ogugua, Sahar, and so many more—thank you. Thank you for your unwavering love, your kindness, your patience, and your incredible strength. You have each taught me so much and shaped who I am in ways I will never forget. Your presence in my life and the memories we’ve shared have been an extraordinary gift—one I will cherish forever.
Thank you for being my people. Thank you for being my family. I love you more than words could ever express, and I will always be endlessly grateful for the beauty of your friendship.
And to Simmons and the universe, thank you for creating the space and bringing these extraordinary women into my orbit.