Marco Polo Crew

They say you meet your best friend’s in college. I believe that’s true. Jayla, Chelsey, and Rachel are the best people I met during my time at Kennesaw State University.

(Pictured: Ciara, Jayla, Rachel, Jessie, and Chelsey)

From my previous post, you know that I became an Ignition Leader. During my time as an ignition leader, I met these amazing people who became my closest friends. You never know how much friendship means until you have amazing friends that come into your life. I met Rachel first at a business meeting. My first impression was that she was funny. Immediately, I had a good feeling we would be friends. We exchanged cell phone numbers that day, and I was thrilled to have another friend honestly. There were days where all of the Ignition Leaders had to have evening meetings to prepare for a conference we were attending. I remember Chelsey had so much positive energy, which I loved, so I naturally gravitated towards her. Jayla and I became friends after making a face at each other and laughing from somebody's comment. The four of us ended up bonding more after a breakup that I had encountered that summer. They were such supportive friends and continue to be to this day.

After orientation ended in the summer, we wanted to continue to hang with each other. Chelsey and Rachel had lived in the suites on campus, and we would all gather to watch the Bachelorette on Monday nights. These were such fun times because we would laugh, cry, and scream at the TV. Additionally, the girls and I would meet up for lunch. These were probably the best times in college. Our schedules allowed all of us to meet in the commons (Kennesaw States’ dining facility) to eat and gossip. All of us would meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 2 pm. The four of us sat in our spot. We would talk about our life and share anything we felt that was necessary. At the time, all of us were single, so there were so many instances where we would see cute boys and start laughing. Sometimes we attempted to talk to our crushes, but that was usually a failure. The best part was keeping a list of nicknames for certain people. We shared stories about our crushes and relationships in general. All of us would stay in the Commons for hours, and it was the best time!

As we grew older and entered our junior year, we began to have “girl’s nights”. Usually, this met having food and wine (lots of wine). Sometimes we would go to our favorite restaurant “Bahama Breeze” while eating and laughing. We would watch movies or play games all night. Together we each celebrated birthdays. Everyone had a special night. Also, the four of us loved to get dressed up. We enjoyed our afternoon conversations in the lounge or after school activities like KSU Day. I will always cherish these memories with my girls.

With our senior year, we thought this was going to be the best semester to do everything together. Homecoming events, tailgates, parties, and cabin trips were the definition of a good time. We all thought the spring semester would be just as fun, and since it would be our last semester together. However, Covid-19 happened, and the last time we saw each other was the Mint Gala in February. None of us imagined we would go this long without seeing each other. However, technology helped us to stay in touch. We use an app called Marco Polo, similar to Snapchat. This app allows you to converse with friends all the time. We have been using this app for quite some time, and it's how we stay connected. Rachel was the one to introduce it to all of us. We call ourselves the "Marco Polo Gang Gang."

Chelsey graduated in Spring 2020, but there was no graduation ceremony. Jayla, Rachel, and I all graduate this upcoming July 2020, and we are hoping that the Marco Polo Gang Gang can all reunite on the big stage to celebrate our time at Kennesaw State. Until then, we are still trying to plan an event to see each other. I am forever grateful for these girls and cannot wait to see what new stories we will have in the future.

Jayla, Chelsey, and Rachel, I love you all!