Finding someone to dorm with can be intimidating since students spend so much time with their roommate. However, seniors Reese Miller and Jada Winfrey have a strong foundation as friends, which made them choose to room together when attending Kansas University in the fall.
Both decided to attend KU for different reasons. Winfrey wanted to go because she felt it was where she was destined to be. Miller wanted to attend because they are ranked sixth in the nation in speech pathology, her field of study.
Immediately after deciding to attend KU, Miller and Winfrey wanted to find a good roommate. Winfrey believes it is better to room with a friend than a stranger.
“[It is so] nerve-wracking to meet a complete stranger,” Winfrey said. “Reese and I have been friends since sixth grade. We haven’t been super close, or best friends, so we still have a lot more getting to know each other, which is good.”
Knowing they will have each other’s company makes it easier for Winfrey to leave her home.
“I think Reese will always be there, and she’s definitely a big piece of home,” Winfrey said. “Because we live close we can come home and can visit our families.”
Miller appreciates having her friend as a roommate due to the sadness of leaving behind other friendships.
“I think [having Jada with me] will to help so much, because a lot of my friends aren’t going to KU,” Miller said. “Having one friend I know I can rely on and who has been in my life for so long will be a good transition into college.”
They are also eager to room with each other because of their qualities. Winfrey is relieved to dorm with Miller because she is responsible and orderly.
“She’s super organized and super on top of things, and more put together than even I am, which I appreciate,” Winfrey said.
Further, Miller is grateful to room with Winfrey because she is truthful and humorous.
“She’s super funny and keeps life honest,” Miller said. “It’s such a good quality to have in a friend, because I think, ‘Oh, I really needed to hear that.”
Although being friends was important in deciding to room together, their friendship still has room for growth. Miller is looking forward to growing closer.
“Our bond and the things we do together and growing as people are probably the biggest things [I’m excited for],” Miller said. “Having this experience together [is important to me].”
