I have been so blessed since my move to Dallas. The people I've met and friends I've made have become my upmost assurance that I am right where I need to be. Case in point, Maria.
I met Maria on the first day of orientation, walking in heels on a campus I've never been in, wearing dress clothes in 100 degree weather, totally lost about where I was supposed to be going, and fervently praying for assigned seats at our first event, so that I wouldn't have to suffer that awful, kid-in-the-cafeteria-with-no-place-to-sit feeling. The seats, as it turned out, weren't assigned, and I can't really imagine what I would have done in the middle of this group of 200 of the best-dressed, most poised young people I had ever seen-- thankfully, I didn't have to do anything, because en route, I had found Maria, just as lost as I was, but much more outgoing and willing to make a friend.
Luckily, we landed in the same writing section, and she has been a blessing in my life ever since. She was instantly in my phone as "Maria SMU," because I couldn't really figure out if her last name was Rojas or Fernandez. She had a smile to offer everyone the first week of class, which is the only reason I was able to meet people-- I stuck by her side and just waited! I think Someone knew to put such a friendly, outgoing girl by my side for a reason.
But enough with the gushy stuff... If you have met Maria, you definitely know one thing about her: that girl is FUN! While her dedication and persistence inspire me to work hard, her ability to blow that all off and laugh and enjoy herself inspire me even more! Maria is the kind of person who dresses up on Halloween... who makes up raps with her girls... who will bust out and dance any time, even on request. She'll leave you hilarious notes, send messages of herself and hubby doing raps together, and facebook tag you in pics of her dog-child that she knows you love. She is the first to share anything embarrassing that happens to her, because she has a weightless heart and simply doesn't care if people make fun, as long as they get a laugh.
Maria is one of those few people you find in life that make you legitimately believe that angels walk the earth beside us everyday. She has made me positive when I was down, made me laugh when I wanted to cry, and kept me from being negative when all I wanted to do was pout. The first year here would have been misery without her. I love you Ri-Ri!!
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| Maria, proving her mad rap skills |
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| Teach me how to Dougie! |
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| Maria and I finishing a half marathon together |
