One year ago, Paul was accepted into the MIT LGO program and we could not have been more excited. We were both applying to grad schools, but I knew that for Paul, it was MIT or bust. I knew I would be in Boston, and I was ready for a change. Little did I know how much I would love the change. I didn't know how awesome it was to be a significant other in the LGO community. It rocks! There are so many perks to the role that I had no idea about:
Comedy club
Going to the '90s pajama party
Bachelorette party for the SOs in pink
Perk #1: Instant friends
I am considered an extroverted person, but this time, I didn't have to work hard at it. Within the first month of meeting the other LGOs and SOs, I felt completely at home. Everyone is so relaxed and sweet, that it would be difficult not to like people. Usually, I tend to stay away from all female groups because of cattiness, but there is literally non to be had. I love everyone and feel at home with this large group of people.
Perk #2: Constant fun
I have yet had a boring evening. In fact, most times when Paul and I stay in, it is because we are tired or think we need some alone time, not because there is nothing to do. During the summer, I always had friends either come sit on our rooftop, go to a free exercise class with me down on the Esplanade, or just walk around with a friend. MIT sponsors so many events and sometimes, we just have to say no. But we always have the FOMO- Fear of Missing Out :). MIT and Boston are too much fun.
Our Thanksgiving with friends
Before going out on the boat cruise with MIT
Apple picking fun
LGOs on the MIT boat dock on July 4th
Perk #3- the Community and responsibilities
I am an actress and singer as most of you know, and moving to Boston was a little hard on my creative side, especially when I got into BU. I had a hard time adjusting to not singing and acting a lot. So, getting involved in clubs on campus was a helpful way to alleviate my itch through the a capella group The Muddy Chords. It feels awesome that once a week, I have a rehearsal to go to and that I'm totally included in the MIT community. Even though I am not the one who goes to school here, I feel very much a part of the group. Plus, I get to help out with the new SOs! Fun!
I helped with the staging of LGO's Antigone!
Perk #4- International Plant Trek
I'm sure this goes more in the vein of constant fun, but if you can get the opportunity to go on the International Plant Trek, do it! I think next year it is China, but this year was Brazil and it was great fun. No, you don't go to the manufacturing plants, if that's not your thing. SOs are the ones running around, actually seeing the fun stuff and the LGOs get jealous :). In Brazil, the LGOs saw some great plants...we saw monkeys in the wild. I don't think I need to say anything else. (Sorry, no pictures yet!)
Perk #5- Support and Connections
When I withdrew from BU, I felt like such a failure. The LGOs and SOs though were so positive for me that I felt much better about my decision. Everyone shares their triumphs and concerns and if a helping hand is needed, it is given. Most people may feel concerned about leaving family behind in a town due to support, but the thing is, there is a family is Boston to help. I never had to search too hard for someone to watch our cat when we are out of town and I try to pay it forward as much as I can. It's great.
Also, the connections to other people often lead to help in finding jobs or (this may sound gold diggerish) having great new adventures. We were able to go on several vacations because an LGO invited us. We never say no to free lodging :).
There are a whole lot more to write, but those are the top ones that I think encompass what it is to be an SO here. I have loved my first year in Boston and I fear for May 2014, when it has to end. We will all separate, but I hope that the majority of us will stay in contact. Ugh, I don't think I want to write too sappily, but for those who are wondering, this is the SO experience. Your LGO maybe busy, but you are every bit as integrated in the program.
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