The best kind of friends want you to succeed.

They look out for your well-being and pick you up with a motivating line or a hand on your shoulder. When it comes to reaching your goals, it's not a matter of "if" so much as it is a matter of "when." Even so, they are realistic and brutally honest. Should you ever wander astray, they will most likely be there to nudge you back to your path.

The best kind of friends call you out when you're wrong.

They don't let you overlook your own errors. As much as we like to be flooded with flattery, we would rather learn to grow into the best version of ourselves. People who earnestly care for you will not create excuses for you. They will help you overcome the small fear of trying something new. They are a catalyst to your development as a student and as a person.

The best kind of friends don't pressure you.

They don't carry bragging rights. Even if they've mastered something you're still getting the hang of, they don't fan it in your face. Instead, they put themselves in your headspace and find a way to get you to the next step. They don't shame you for not getting it on the first try. They embrace the mistakes and remind you that it's all a part of the learning experience.

The best kind of friends listen.

They will know to take the back seat when you need to achieve independently. As much as they are there for you, they will also let you on your own when you need it. They don't hinder you from thinking for yourself; they enable you to realize your potential by proposing options never before considered.

The best kind of friends can be found everywhere. I'm grateful to have found many of them right on my college campus. You know who you are and this is a shout out to you for being so inclusive, understanding, and inspirational.