Sophomore year, day one. Same room, same roommate, a lot more stuff than last year. That's Joel and his dad standing in the middle of everything we own. His dad drove over from Troy with the loft in the back of the van. They built it last year, took it apart in May and kept the boards in their garage all summer, with the bolts in a coffee can. It went back up in about three hours, one of which was spent looking for one bolt that was in the coffee can the whole time.

The door is propped open because it was hot in the hall and there's no air conditioning on nine. Every room on the floor had a box fan going.

You'll notice the camera is working. That's because my computer was the first thing I set up, before my bed. My parents helped me carry up everything and then watched me plug in the computer while my mattress was still in its plastic. My mom has brought this up several times since.

Joel's dad, if you're reading this: the loft is holding up great. Thanks again.