The big house on the hill. The love of my life. Valentine House on the HBS campus. I have never lived in a house I love this much, and in my final tribute, I'm going to lay it out for you why I love it so deeply.
The conditions to get us here were not ideal (RIP Howell), but from the beginning, Valentine brought us together. Our introduction to her loveliness was mid-hurricane. The oracle of Highlands (Reagan Jarrett) made the executive decision that we probably shouldn't run through the hurricane-grade winds and rain at midnight and instead evacuate to Valentine immediately. The first night was grand. We played "Mafia" and "Murder in the Dark." Everyone prepared for the inevitable power loss by gathering in the large living room to watch Inside Out 2 with the last dregs of our food piled together for a last warm meal. I personally slept in my bed, but the next morning I awoke to no power and a pile of my cohort on the floor. Thus began the next week of Lord of the Flies-style bonding.
Deviating from its humble beginnings, we land on the charm that leaks from every (literal and metaphorical) crack in Valentine. Not to flex too hard, but let me paint you a picture. Two-story home with a charming staircase. A giant living room with a TV, wrap-around couch, stunning lamps, a La-Z-boy, and giant posters (Field scientists do it in the wet and mud is kind of crazy, not going to lie). Wood paneling, a dining room with a large table, a big porch with a rocking chair, and blankets and pillows ahoy! A giant hill to race the green machines down and a fire pit (bless Mike) built for royalty. Yes, the kitchen is tiny, but in avoiding it, I've found out a lot about nutrient-enriched foods (my instant grits have 60% of my daily iron, who knew!). And yeah, there are mice, but let's be so real, they're super cute, and the personalized live traps are so fun.
Now that I've bragged about the amenities enough, I'm going to gush about my cohort for the rest of this. Living with 11 other people has been my favorite experience ever. First of all, everyone is constantly sharing products, food, recipes, clothing, etc. It's girl's night every night (Caleb too). Everyone gets along well, and the communal living space is charming because of it. Late night working on Brent's assignment? Everyone's sat around the dining room table with a beverage, some snacks, and all the art supplies we own spread across it. Music is blasting, and the mood is high. Capstone due at midnight? Vanderpump Rules is on TV while everyone lounges on the wrap-around couch with intermittent Spinx runs (soda fix). Family dinner, themed dinner parties, ear-piercing nights—you name it, we've done it. Everyone is just so enthusiastic that the energy is always contagious. I'll walk downstairs and find myself shuffling from room to room. Each room is an entirely new lively conversation; I've lived lifetimes just circling the downstairs.
Of course, my rooming arrangement only boosts my love for this place. From rags to riches, we managed to go from the smallest room to the largest. But most importantly, I'm obsessed with my roommates (let's go Madison and Mary-Catherine). If you see one of them, TRUST me, I'm never far behind. They're just so easy to talk to and are always down to do something. Literally the perfect roommates. Our initials are MC, MC, and CM. Like, hello? I don't know how to explain it, but our room is such a happy place for me. We can talk about literally anything and just get a long really well. I love those girls like crazy. I've found myself dreading a room to myself.
Last but not least, I get to live in the same house as Reagan Jarrett, the other love of my life after Valentine. Coming downstairs and seeing her in the kitchen just sets my day on the right track. We all know I'm here because of her, so being able to just walk up to her door and bother her for 30 minutes is a dream come true. Sorry, Reagan, but you are the best.
Anyways, all this to say, Valentine, you will always be famous to me. I love the community built within this house. Yes, we had the kitchen in the cottages, but a cozy hangout spot you don't have to walk to (yeah, yeah, I know it's lazy) has really brought us all together. Valentine, I love you!
Note to the readers: I dropped my phone in the toilet a few days ago and it started glitching as I was writing this so I do not have the ability to add all the photos I wanted. I'm sorry for the loss of visuals, I wanted better for you guys. I'm also terrified on how I'm going to hit the seven hour drive home without it. Hope the rice works! -CM
Do you love Valentine?
Obviously (right)
Nah (wrong)
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