Phi Mu gave me...

#NationalBestFriendsDay

Have you ever felt like you've known someone your whole life, when in reality you’ve only known them for just a short time? This is exactly how I feel about Emma. I remember the months leading up to college when I would pray for God to put a best friend in my life. I prayed for someone who would be genuine, encouraging, would laugh...and cry when needed with me, and simply just get me. I have found this and more in Emma. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God knew I needed her. Literally the first night we met we both put chocolate in our teeth at Olive Garden and could not stop laughing.. we can be a little crazy lol!!!

From that moment on we have been inseparable. She has made Jacksonville feel like home to me. She loves me at my best as well as when i’m not so loveable. She’s always up for a late night food run or sleepover in her bed. She sings with me in the car even though she sounds like an angel and I sound like a dying cow. She keeps me motivated to go to the gym.. even when I’d rather be taking a nap on the couch. She gives me words of encouragement anytime I'm down. She reminds me to take time to breathe and have fun in the midst of my busy schedule. She is always ready to have a good time no matter what time or day of the week. She is hands down one of the most amazing people I have been blessed to have the opportunity to know. I truly could not have hand picked a better roommate or sister. I can't thank Emma enough for being my person.

- Sophie Hutchinson, PC '19

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When I first decided to go through recruitment, I was so scared because I didn’t know anyone! When I ran home to Phi Mu on bid day, my heart was immediately at peace. I was welcomed with open arms by every girl and I knew I had found my forever home and sisters! I got the privilege to become close with so many sweet sisters, including my best girl, Maci Barnwell! Thank you Phi Mu for bringing me my forever sisters and the girl I can always count on!

- Maddie Parker, PC '20

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The best friend I never knew I needed, Blakely. Blakely and I met in 2019.. we were just babies in the same Rho Gamma group. We had no idea what the next 3 years would lead to. I was so excited on bid day when we both opened our bids and ran home to Phi Mu. A year later we became almost inseparable.

You’ve been my rock this past year. The one I can always count on to go shopping, take spontaneous trips, go riding, and everything in between. We can read each other just with a split second of making eye contact. I have no idea what I would’ve done if Phi Mu hadn’t brought me you. We were strangers 3 years ago and now you’ll be one of my bridesmaids. You’re killing nursing school and I can’t wait to see what the future brings you.

- Caleigh Kitchens, PC '19

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While freshman year of college brought me tons of best friends and fun memories, it wasn't until sophomore year that I truly made my best friend. Mardasia and I had a class together freshman year, she made fun of me everyday.. but so did the professor- it was a blast! Our friendship didn't even start there and it wasn't on bid day, I honestly don't even remember how it happened... but it did and boy what a time it has been since. If you know my personality, then you know how unexpected this friendship was-- Marty and I are pretty different, but it works!

She is the person that hates to love me.. & the fact that I make jokes at the worst times, the one that knows exactly what the expression on my face means or what I'm thinking, and the coolest person I know. Oh and she's my roommate! Before Marty and I lived together, she would spend every night at my apartment and when she walked home, we would yell "marco, polo" at each other until she got to her apartment.. just so no bad guys got her. We could fill tons of books with all the stories and memories we have and I wouldn't want it any other way.

- Avery-Anna, PC '18

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Who knew that the girl I met through Instagram one year ago would become my best friend. Aubre Grace, thank you for being the friend I never knew I needed. I’ve felt like I’ve known you my whole life but it’s only been 12 months. I am so happy that we are rinas and sisters in Phi Mu. Thank you for being my rock through everything. I can’t wait to see how much our friendship grows through college. I love you!

- Annsleigh Hamm PC ‘21

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When I decided to go through recruitment in the fall of 2020, I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea that I would find my best friend, roommate, & a person to lean on! Olivia has been there for me through all the ups and downs of college. I am so thankful that Phi Mu brought me someone who is so honest, loving, & loyal. I don’t know what I would do without her. She is always ready for a spontaneous trip to the beach, a hometown visit, or anything in between! It is so crazy to imagine life before I knew her!! I’m so thankful for all of our memories. I know that we will be friends forever!! I can’t wait to make more memories in these next few years!!

- Hannah Grace Weathers, PC '20