Don't Forget Your Underwear!

In talking with some colleagues, we realized today that our seniors only have 18 days left of school. Eighteen.

And every year, it's about this time that I start thinking back to my own senior year. I was so excited to get out and experience the world. I was on my way to Iowa State University, without a clue in what I might major in, and just trying to get through those last weeks, days, hours, minutes, until I was finished with high school.

The day I left for Iowa State was a beautiful August day. My older brother, Allan, was headed back to Iowa State for his Master's Degree, so he and I rented a U-Haul, packed up our stuff, and headed out. I left a few boxes in my closet for when I came home for Thanksgiving Break (there was no way I was coming home any earlier) and double-, then triple-checked that I had everything I needed.

We got to my dorm in Ames, Allan helped me haul up the few things that I really needed and then left the rest of it on the front lawn of my dorm. I systematically, one by one, carried those boxes, totes and bags up to my fourth floor dorm room. I didn't mind doing it myself because doing so signified the independence that I was so badly craving.

I unpacked some things, but shortly after my brother called and asked if I wanted to run to Target to get toiletries and anything else I might have forgotten.  We grabbed what we needed, went out to eat, and my brother left me at my dorm.

I awoke the next morning excited for the day ahead and the things I had planned (really, nothing. But I was still excited that I was going to be able to nothing on my own). I grabbed my new toiletries, robe, shower sandals and headed to the showers.

When I got back to my room, I searched through the totes where I had cram-packed my enormous wardrobe. I knew I had to have packed my underwear somewhere...

Alas, I had not. I was without underwear. I repeat, without underwear. The most essential piece of anyone's wardrobe, and I did not have it. I repeat, without underwear.

One thought crossed my mind as the realization of the situation dawned on me... "F--k." And I could see the clear tote where I had packed my underwear sitting on the floor of my closet in my room at home in Nora Springs. Not in Ames. F--k.

What the hell was I supposed to do??? Luckily, I knew my dad was driving through Ames on business that day, so I called him. After he got done laughing at me, he said he would grab the tote and bring it down.

Saved by the 6'5" 350 pound underwear fairy.

So I did what any educated college student would do - put my worn underwear on inside out and got ready for my day.

My roommate was bringing the TV a few days later, I had no computer of my own and had no idea how to use the computer lab, and quickly became bored of unpacking. Allan called and asked if I wanted to come and meet some of his roommates.

So I headed over.

I stayed there for the better part of the afternoon, hanging out with Allan, who was helping me map out the route around campus for all my classes. I finally headed to my dorm, got off the elevator on the fourth floor and got to my dorm door. And there, on the marker board I had so proudly hung on the door the day before was a note from my dad.

"I left your underwear next door -------------->"

What?! Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod. A flood of horror washed over me. I had some really cute underwear in that clear tote. But also in that tote, I had underwear that you couldn't really tell if it was underwear or a rag. The fabric worn thin, elastic wasn't really elastic anymore and it was that underwear. Like... that underwear.

Ohmygod.

I quickly unlocked my door and when safely on the other side, shut it and leaned my back against it. What the hell was I supposed to say to this person who apparently held my underwear captive?

"Umm, hi. I'm Laura, I live next door to you, and I think my dad left my underwear with you?" And that's exactly what I did say. It was one of the most embarrassing, life-changing moments I had ever had.

That first introduction between Melissa and I opened up doors to experiences I never thought I would have. We partied hard, we laughed, we cried, we endured a lot together. We were fast friends, always together, had late nights, early mornings, studied for finals, didn't study for finals.It was a friendship that was found through new independence for the both of us, excitement for what the future held for us, and underwear.

My dad taught me a lot of things, but one of the most impactful, significant life lessons that I, to this day, have always remembered, was to not forget my underwear.