The Beatles so classically sing, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” I’ve always agreed with that phrase, being so thankful for my friends.

Little did I realize, I actually get by with, not just a little, but A LOT of help from my friends. I mean honestly, where would we be without our friends? They’re the family that we get to choose. And whether we’ve had a friend for six months or 16 years, have only three extremely close friends or have an entire address book full of friends, each and every person we have selected to be close to us helps us in one way or another.

With finals, I’ve really learned that we truly do rely so much on our friends. They wake us up from our naps to study, they make sure we get off of social media, they will procrastinate with us, they will be there when we have emotional breakdowns, and will always support a late night Taco Bell run. And that’s just during finals.

I never feel like I truly appreciate how amazing my friends are. They are the best support system and are always there for me. They have our best interest at heart and care so much about our wellbeing. Each friend shows their care in different ways, and pours into our lives differently, which is what makes every one of them so special and unique.

And not only do they help me, but I help them too even if I don’t recognize or see it—they will and that’s what matters. Friendship is mutual, making those relationships even better and more important.

So thank you to all of my friends, new and old. I wouldn’t be who I am without you.