Friends: Kirstin

Kirstin and I met our sophomore year in college. There are so many things I love about Kirstin, that she probably doesn't know. This one's for you, Kirst! Haha!

I think a lot of people probably misunderstand Kirstin: maybe they see someone shy, or unapproachably fashionable. This is what I saw when I first met her our freshman year. She always looks like a million bucks, and did so even back then, and I remember being in awe of that. I remember thinking that she was quiet, and then wishing I were more like that, and less obnoxious. I think Kirstin has probably NEVER been obnoxious in her whole life.

But any initial shyness I thought I detected was quickly overcome when I saw how fun Kirst was (and IS!). She is always doing something creative and cultural, but it's more than that. When Kirst does something, she turns it into an event, and I LOVE that. Something as simple as a trip to the gas station to get slurpees, or a trip to the mall becomes an "outing". It isn't just a dollar movie, it's a dollar movie with a group of friends wearing matching argyle sweaters.

Then I learned that somehow she was able to have a crazy awesome social life, AND get straights A's and maintain a scholarship. (How are some people so good at life?) Not only that, but she's always checking out a foreign film, reading a classic novel, attending the symphony--she's not faking intelligence. She really is a well-rounded academic who loves the finer things!

One way her intelligence affected my life was in pure, constant, genius HUMOR. I can honestly say Kirstin is one of the funniest people I've ever met. Her observations about life, and about herself, can make me split my sides. I don't know how I would have gotten through college (particularly our junior year!) without her fantastic sense of humor.

I've already spoken about Kirstin's commitment to God and how that has deeply affected me, but I'll say it again. She has been a huge example of strength and sacrifice in my life. I don't know who I'd be if I hadn't had her in my life. I hope you all are as lucky as to have a friend like Kirstin.