Khalila Thomas '01 and Charlie Hammel '01 don't see each other so frequently anymore. Thomas, who is a chemical engineering major, spends most of her time at the E-Quad, while Hammel, a history concentrator with a certificate in medieval studies, slaves away in Firestone.
But the two seniors know each other fairly well. After all, they've been going to school together since pre-kindergarten.
Thomas and Hammel, who both grew up in Hudson, Ohio, attended the same nursery, elementary, middle and high schools. And although they weren't always in the same class through middle and junior high school, they have vivid memories of their time together.
"I remember Charlie in fifth grade," Thomas said. "He had a subscription to The Wall Street Journal and brought it in and read it while everyone else was playing outside."
Hammel recalls the square-dancing unit in gym class that same year:
"She and I ended up being square dancing partners. At the time, she was quite a bit taller," he said, adding jokingly, "I caught up."
They continued their stretch — which has now lasted over 17 years — all the way until high school, when they were both day students at Ohio's Western Reserve Academy. Both Thomas' and Hammel's fathers went to that high school.
When it came time to pick colleges, Hammel knew he wanted to come to Princeton. He applied early and was accepted. Thomas, meanwhile, had to choose between the University of Virginia and Princeton.
"I had to prevail upon her to come to Princeton," Hammel said. "We had to keep the streak going."
Though both are as busy as any Princeton student and spend most of their time on opposite sides of campus, Hammel and Thomas stay in touch.
"We don't hang out as much as we used to, but we have one of those friendships you know you'll always have," Thomas said. "When we go home, we call each other, have lunch and catch up."
After graduation, Hammel and Thomas will probably use their majors to work in very different fields, but their connection will continue.
"I would expect that it will go on. If not, we'll be badgered by our parents, who always ask about the other," Hammel joked.
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