Going to college taught me more than I expected it to. I grew as a person and as a student throughout the year. But, I think the biggest lesson I learned was about friendship.

Being away from home for the first time in your life is hard. Whether you go to college, start a new job, or decide to serve our country, you are on your own. I grew up with my extended family 3,000 miles away from me, so I started creating close relationships from when I was young so that I could have that feeling of love near me constantly. My friends from home seemed to come to me effortlessly and most of them I met when I was little. Having to re-create that situation when I was 18 was hard for me. It was difficult stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting people, let alone opening up to them. I learned very quickly that it’s not going to come to you without any work.

First, you have to make yourself vulnerable. Letting your guard down is essential if you want to create relationships. It may make you uncomfortable at first, but you have to take that step. People will feel comfort in your presence if you don't build walls.

Second, don’t stress over it. If you overthink the situations, you’ll find yourself backing out. You have to go with the flow and take life as it is handed to you.

Lastly, you have to reach out. You have to create those bonds yourself. It’s not going to come to you when you sit by yourself in your room. Just like all good things in your life, you have to work for it and it will all come together.

You have to create your own ohana.