Five years ago, I found myself standing in front of a door. Salsa music and the sound of sixty girls’ chatter and laughter floated from inside, and outside was me peeking in, trying to decide whether going through this whole stupid “sorority-thing” was worth the trouble. It had been a hard semester. I was struggling to adjust to life in New York City and struggling to put myself through school. Life felt like an avalanche of crises and me being the stubborn type, I was determined to weather the storm silently. Just when I had decided to turn tail and avoid walking into the awkwardness of all those eyes staring at the sole late comer, I heard someone call my name. I nearly died in embarrassment when I saw it was my friend Keith. I’d been caught red-handed, and braced myself for a torrent of teasing. It was only fair. After all, I mercilessly teased my friends who had “gone Greek.”
As it turns out, Keith is one awesome guy. He didn’t tease me too much, but he did shove me through the door. Literally. I found myself blinking, dazed among all those girls. And I had been the awkward tomboy all throughout high school. But sometimes what you dread the most, turns out to be a blessing in disguise. This post isn’t about the merits of greek life. But it is about friendship and sisterhood. Because that’s how I came to know Melissa. Who even on a bad day, is seven different shades of awesome.
There are some experiences that bond you together for life. I happen to consider breaking an international embargo one of those experiences.
Sophomore year, I had this hair brained idea to go to Cuba. “It’s easy. We’ll go via Bahamas and… figure out the rest when we get there.” I was a little floored when Melissa actually agreed to come. We spent a week backpacking around Havana, smuggled back contraband, and have been inseparable since. This girl gets me and my wacky sense of humor, can put up with my neuroses and is always up for an adventure. She’s pretty much a saint and Lara Croft rolled into one. If I were stuck on a desert island, I’d want a swiss army knife.. and Melissa. It’s a toss-up as to which would save our butts first.
Since that fated trip to Cuba, we’ve had more adventures.. both together and apart. Melissa decided to commit to serving with the Peace Corps after graduation and was stationed in Kyrgyzstan days before the revolution broke out. A little over a week ago, she was evacuated and is now back on US soil. I was stunned to receive her call, which was only two days after her return. And….. immediately launched into a speech on why she should fly out to China and spend a month backpacking with me.
She agreed.
…
.
I told you she was mind-bogglingly awesome.
Next Friday, she’s flying into Jetsonville before hopping onto another flight to the mainland, where we rendezvous after I get off a train from Lhasa. I can not even begin to tell you how insanely excited I am that she is coming.
Mel, you are a sister and friend in so many more ways than I can count. We’ve seen each other through thick and thin, and as I like to say – we are like iron sharpening iron. I would not want to be one of those-annoying-girls-who-are-married-to-each-other-on-facebook with anyone else. I can not WAIT to see you!! Epic Trip 2010 is going to be a blast. I’m so thrilled you are coming!!! 
