My thoughts on Girlhood

It's a warm summer night, a bright flash from someone's film camera, and a mix of four different perfumes. Girlhood—and now, I suppose, womanhood—is encapsulated in these moments and countless others.

I've always shared a deep bond with the women in my life. Growing up and still today, my mom and aunt (or Nanny, as I call her) were inseparable. From 6 am workouts to lunch breaks and late-night sleepovers, they were always together. This closeness was a gift, allowing me to be surrounded by the presence of amazing women. When my grandmother was alive, she was at the heart of it all. We regularly planned girl’s trips, sleepovers, and her favorite: a visit to New Orleans—a city she cherished from her childhood, brimming with history and culture. Every trip was unique, but they always ended in tear-inducing, stomach-hurting laughter.

Now, at 25 and living six hours away from my family, I’ve had to find new ways to stay grounded. The anchors in my life now are my girlfriends. Whether it's making a summer bucket list, walking around the lake three times a week, or, like this weekend, planning a Sex and the City-themed night out, we make each other a priority. With both doors wide open between our quaint Jack-and-Jill bathroom, Jordan and I (often with Noele joining in) blow out our hair, quickly do our makeup, and walk back and forth, inspecting each other’s outfits. It may sound simple, but it's a significant gift.

Just this Friday, Noele said, "One day we won't be able to do this." She’s right. We won't. And though it’s an obvious truth, one we’ve probably discussed with our friends countless times, it’s still important to emphasize the special bonds we share as women. But for now, I’ll savor it for what it is—nothing more, nothing less.

And thank you to all the women who have shaped who I am and all those in the future.

Ok, love you. Bye!