Sadie Says - To Keep in Touch

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - Winnie the Pooh

The creators of Winnie the Pooh weren’t lying with this fundamental quote that shaped my perspective on distance and relationships. Going away to college was really the first time I was separated from my people, and I didn’t know what that held – I just hoped that my friendships would continue to prosper and grow no matter the distance.

As a second-semester college freshman, I can definitely admit to being more settled in and acclimated to the college lifestyle compared to first semester. After a crazily hectic soccer season, overwhelming amounts of homework, and midterm/final expectations, all while being away from home, I felt as if I was thrown into the deep end of a pool that I didn’t know how to swim in!

It can be easy to blame the sometimes unbearable weight of college on disconnecting from your friends and support system back home, but just because you’re far apart in distance, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still stay close.

I’ve found it’s so much easier to navigate the trials and tribulations of college life by staying connected with and leaning on my best friends from home. As we are all forging our own path, we are still cheering each other on in our personal endeavors; we are still sharing similar experiences in which the others can relate to, which makes every day just a little bit lighter.
Although it’s been a sole semester of college, I’ve found some low-maintenance ways to stay in touch and maintain deeply heartfelt bonds with my favorite people, even if they’re thousands of miles away.

#1: Be each other's own personal influencers. 

The best part about technology nowadays is the instantaneous accessibility and connection at your fingertips 24/7. With this, I have the opportunity to interact with my friends on the daily. If I can’t call my friend during the day for whatever reason, I will take it upon myself to give them all the Sadie content they so desperately need.

You may be wondering, how do you do this? Well, a personal Sadie Chrusciel favorite is the good old Snapchat vlog. My best friend Becca and I are culprits of sending twenty minute videos back and forth, just debriefing about our days and what is going on in Columbia or Winona, respectively.

It never fails to bring me a smile and much-needed laugh, because I’m getting a firsthand perspective on her life at school – I get to meet her friends, see her walk to class, and hear about the wild adventures plaguing Mizzou’s campus. Likewise, I get to share a slice of my life at Saint Mary’s, showing off the women’s soccer locker room, taking a hot girl walk through the bluffs, or endless fit checks.

Proof of Becca and I's endless loop of vlogs

Getting the purple “becca spezz sent you a Snap” notification always guarantees a good time. It brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort that grounds me on the toughest of days, and I am already anxiously awaiting the next one!

#2: It's the small things.

No matter if it’s sending a funny TikTok that reminded you of them, or giving a new song recommendation to your concert buddy, your friends are sure to appreciate the little moments of recognition.

One of these moments occurred just yesterday, when the biggest event of 2024 so far occurred. If you’re living under a rock, I’ll catch you up – Taylor Swift announced the release of her eleventh album at the Grammys, much to the delight of practically the entire global US population. 

One of my best friends from home, Annabelle, instantly texted me the second the news was disseminated to the public. The fact that she thought of me upon the announcement and took time out of her day to share in my enthusiasm with it, was just a small reminder of our bond and shared appreciation for the icon that is Taylor Swift. 

It doesn’t have to be the news of a Taylor Swift album release to chat, though. I frequently ask discussion questions in my friend group’s groupchat, just to hear their thoughts and opinions.

Sharing playlists is another favorite way of Annabelle and I’s to connect; our Spotify accounts are constantly updated with new music recommendations from the other. I owe some of my new favorite artists or tunes to her, and I love how we can continue our passion for music, even if we can’t hit our typical carpool karaoke every day.  

These small things remind me just how lucky I am to have such thoughtful friends that are constantly checking in. 

#3: There is always time every day to connect.

Between differing time zones, academic expectations, and social events, it is hard to rationalize spending more time away from your studies or being involved here. However, I think it pays off more in the long run to take a moment or two out of every day to connect with those from home.
The thirty minutes you might spend on TikTok nightly or the daily nap could be traded out for sentimental moments with your friends that you will grow to cherish especially as the chances to talk becomes few and far between.

For example, one of my best friends, Rach, is an architecture major at University of Tennessee Knoxville. My mom once described Rach as “medicine for my soul”, so definitely a person I rely on and miss every single day. The demands of her studio and architectural projects take up the majority of her time, which has definitely been a major adjustment in our friendship (especially when we’re joined at the hip most days in our hometown).

A classic Rach & Sades debrief session

However, calling Rach will forever make my day here at SMUMN, because she is someone I can talk to about anything with fear of judgement or disappointment. That makes her a perfect candidate for even a fifteen minute phone call to brighten my day or to catch up on the events of the week. And I am always grateful for that time, rather than spending it something that won’t matter in the long run.

All in all,

College and your friendships here are important, but never forget where you came from, and make sure to prioritize your long-term friendships, because they will never fail to serve you.