516 Glenrock Ave

• My thoughts inspired by Michele Bender’s “819 Garfield Place” in Chicken Soup for the College Soul.

Below the leaking high ceilings, above the creaky warped wooden floors, and in between the crude adhesive-damaged walls, this golden age of transformation would forever be remembered. Each and every corner of this above-average jail cell had a story longer than the waiting times on the frequently broken elevators. The balcony ached and pained from years of gravity, freshmen frenzies, and drunken moments of clarity. The rotting insulation held its breath — drowning from the rains of winters past. The yellow stained fire alarm that hung precariously from its hinges was smothered in stories of Yoshida-sauce abuse, fan operating negligence, and failed experiments of culinary ignorance. Laughter, smoke, and tears soaked into the battered couch which had supported the cherished, lulled the sleepy, and comforted the broken hearted. Here, in 516 Glenrock Ave Apt #401, a group of five guys would cement their short-lived legacy with everlasting memories.

It was around 9pm when they returned. Fumbling for keys while simultaneously trying to avoid being violated by his apartment mate, he entered into the apartment with a violent sigh. They say that working out consistently makes it progressively easier — unfortunately, that adage didn’t hold true for them. One slumped onto the couch while two of them quickly ducked into their respective showers. The kitchen light and mismatched chandelier flickered and glowed as the rice cooker boiled over…again. These misfits were intolerable, but they had a way of filling the room with youthful folly. Nonsensical anecdotes were thrown around, the Fetty Wap song of the day ran on an endless loop, and all of life’s problems stood at a halt for those 50 minutes. It was unknown at the time, but these were the moments that solidified their friendships. Nothing big. No heartbreaks. No accident. No corny Christmas Special friendship montage. Just another average Thursday.

Look back and bask in the moments that helped you grow into the person you are today. Enjoy each moment of weakness, humble yourself with each fleeting accomplishment, and remember that nothing you had or will ever have is obtained by yourself alone. We are the product of endless mistakes, unfortunate timing, longing embraces, and lasting friendships. Thank you guys for the past, present, and till the end.

— thepostgrad