Dayton Diary: From coffee to college roommates

As a first-year student, I was nothing short of terrified. Starting college during a pandemic as a commuter student was daunting. I was apprehensive about not making friends, of not belonging.

My mom, a 1992 alumna, was the reason I chose UD. I grew up hearing her fond memories, so, at the ripe age of 8, I told her UD was the place for me, too.

But, when I was greeted in 2020 with Zoom classes, isolation and social distancing, I feared the worst. My mom encouraged me to stick with it and put myself out there.

After my Introduction to University class during the first week of school, a group of my classmates gathered outside of Fitz Hall and began chatting about grabbing a bite to eat on Brown Street. People broke into groups of twos and threes, each going to a different place. One lone girl stated that she was going to make the hike to Starbucks.

“Wait up, I’ll come with you,” I blurted out.

I’m not sure what caused me to join her. It sure wasn’t the coffee. I hate coffee. Our conversation revealed that we not only had a lot in common but also had three classes together.

I’m glad I put myself out there that day. Mara went from a classmate to a best friend quickly. We became roommates on campus junior year. I give thanks to that cup of coffee I never touched.  —CAT MCNAMARA ’24