I’ve always been told the rule “you are who you hang around”. I’m simply blessed to have the greatest group of friends ever. However, this isn’t an article to brag, but a chance for me to tell you just why I love each one of these people I am blessed to call my friends. The list could go on forever, but I will limit it to the seven things I have learned from my friends.

1. Ryan Durell-Ryan is my roommate and one of the first friends I made in college. While there are so many great things about Ryan that I could talk about, the thing I have learned the most from him is consistency. Ryan has showed me what it looks like to always be there for someone. Whether it is late night bro talks or useless trips to Walmart because I don’t want to go alone, Ryan is always there.

2. Jed Flemming- Jed may be the one of the only people I’ve ever known to be as straight forward as me. I have learned that honesty in friendship is so important. Speaking the hard truths in love is something that a lot of people struggle with. I have learned how to do that with Jed. I’m not always perfect at it, but Jed has made me better in it.

3. Stephen Crain- I wish that I could create a situation for all of you to meet Stephen Crain because he is, without a doubt, the most kind and good-hearted man I have ever met. It is rare to meet someone who lets kindness overflow into others like him. I know that I am the most kind and loving version of myself when I am with him. Thank you for showing me true kindness, Stephen.

4. Chance Ludy- When I met Chance, I really didn’t know what to think, but, in one short year, Chance has become a life-long friend. I can say that with confidence because Chance has shown me what effort in friendship looks like. He has taken time off work to travel to my hometown, bought me thoughtful gifts, and overall put my needs over his. Chance has taught me how to be friend through selfless effort and I couldn’t be thankful enough.

5. Emily Morton- Emily has shown me a great example of faith. When it comes to my future, I like to have realistic goals that I know that I can accomplish. Through my friendship with Emily, I have learned that my future is not in my own hands, but in the hands of God. I am learning more and more to take big steps in faith. Thank you for teaching me that, Emily.

6. Caleb Davey- Through my friendship with Caleb, I have learned so much about having fun. I’ve always had fun, but I never reached my whole fun potential until I became friends with Caleb. I have learned how to always have fun while still building deep relationships. I will forever be thankful for that lesson.

7. Jackson Page- I think we all have that friend that, no matter how much time you spend apart, nothing changes. Jackson is better than all your versions of that. Through Jackson I have learned what love in friendship looks like. Love looks like every single good lesson in friendship wrapped up into one. We have been best friends since second grade and that will never change because, through my friendship with Jackson, I have learned about love.

I didn’t mean to brag about my friends (although they are all worthy of bragging). I encourage you to take the time to look at your friends and see what they have taught you. If you can’t think of any, you are missing out on something great. The truth is, you are who you hang out with. I’m blessed that I can say that with a joyous confidence. Go out and attack the day with the greatest friends you can. It makes all the difference.