VCU news

By Amelia Heymann

Freshman year, incoming Virginia Commonwealth University students find themselves in need of a roommate. There are many social media pages dedicated to this “matchmaking” process, which is how Myia Graves first stumbled across Erin Washington.

The main question Graves remembered asking her future bestie was if she smoked. After confirming both of them hated the smell, they promptly agreed to move in together. Once in the residence hall, Graves found that they had even more in common – they both liked staying up late and playing video games, particularly Phasmophobia. It’s a horror-themed video game where four players go into a building to identify the specter haunting it. If you talk, the ghost can find the player and kill them.

“I’ll always be singing during the game and then someone will end up dead and [Myia and I will] just be laughing,” Washington said.

Washington, who is now a health services major with a minor in pre-occupational therapy, and Graves, now a forensic science major with a concentration in physical evidence, had different class schedules, meaning usually one was out of the residence hall while the other was home. Despite this they made sure to at least meet up together for dinner every day.

And they started going to shows together at the Altria Theater. They saw three productions as freshmen, and the sophomores are planning on going to at least two more this year. Graves and Washington said their favorite so far was “Six,” a musical about the six wives of King Henry VIII. After the performance they got to meet and take photos with two of the lead actresses.

“The show was incredible, but I just liked being able to spend it with Erin,” Graves said.

Over the breaks, the two have visited each other in their hometowns. Last summer, Washington joined Graves in Williamsburg where they enjoyed a trip to Busch Gardens. Then over winter break this year, Graves came to Northern Virginia, where the two traveled into D.C. to visit the National Air and Space Museum.

They are still roommates, but more importantly, they consider each other best friends.

The two also feel they complement each other’s weaknesses. Washington said she loves how chill Graves can be, but sometimes finds herself getting upset on her friend’s behalf. Meanwhile, Graves admires Washington’s outspokenness and her outgoing personality.

“It just feels like [Erin] is supposed to be there,” Graves said.

One of the main reasons the two are so close is because they can be vulnerable with each other. Graves said she doesn’t need to worry about what she wears or says around Washington, because no matter what it just feels “comfy.”“If [it was] 1 a.m., I wouldn’t care if Myia walked into my room and wanted to talk,” Washington said. “We’re just open with each other.” 

That’s also the piece of advice they have for other friends – don’t be afraid to be open with each other.

“I feel like being able to communicate with each other openly and to not be afraid to tell each other how you feel or if this thing happened and it hurts your feelings, you should say that,” Graves said.