Dear Roommate... Blake Masters

Roommate,

The following is an account of one of my most memorable experiences - I hope you can use it to gauge what kind of person I am. Last summer, I went with my family and a friend's family to Italy. After an early dinner in Florence, my friend and I began juggling a soccer ball in an empty piazza (we both play soccer for our high school). We had heard the tales of crazy European street soccer games, but had at this point yet to see them for ourselves. After a few minutes, we were interrupted by a quiet Italian man who silently signaled that he wanted to play with us. Seeing this, other passers-by wanted to join in too. Much to our surprise and delight, the piazza was filled with about 20 eager participants within minutes. Rearranging public trashcans as goal markers, we played tirelessly on the picturesque cobblestone courtyard for literally hours on end. I was taken aback by the feelings of accord that seemed to inhabit that piazza - all cliches aside, those feelings I got are the reason why this experience remains distinguished in my mind. To see American tourists, Italian artists, and Kenyan vendors all forget their worries and differences and play a great game together was truly amazing. That night, the official...