All throughout my life, I have been surrounded by strong, capable, empowering, and amazing women. I'm so lucky to have such an amazing group of girls by my side throughout anything and everything. This article merely serves as an appreciation post for them, and the little anecdotes, lessons, and random tidbits that have accumulated over the past 19 years.

My mother is quite honestly one of my best friends. She has taught me so much about life and I can see parts of my life mirrored in hers. Whenever I hear Miranda Lambert, I immediately think of her, even though she didn't start listening to country music until she met my dad. Always down for a good time, she's taught me to never pass up a good dance floor and a chance to bust a move with your best friends. Out on the dance floor, I've learned not only to dance slowly with a boy that has stolen my heart for the time being, but how to also dance the night away, trying to forget he ever existed. I've learned that every bad day is only that-a bad day- and you shouldn't let it consume your whole week, month, or god forbid your whole year. Taking a break to refocus, knowing the magic of washing your face with just a handful of water and letting yourself recharge is my mom's recipe for how to freshen up after being frustrated. She's the one I tend to call whenever I need help with homework, boy advice, and when I need to let her know not to wait up when I'm gonna be home late. She's also the one I trust with every decision I make, from choosing a prom dress to choosing a college, she's been there for every milestone. If I can be half the mom she is, I will be one of the best moms in the world. She handles every situation thrown at her with intelligence, confidence, grace, and a smile on her face, and is truly someone I'm glad is my mother.

My girl gang from home is the foundation that keeps me rooted in who I am. They're the root of everything I am, and we always keep in constant contact, no matter the distance parting us all. From being strangers until our senior year to being close enough to call each other sisters before we left for college. We go to each other with deep topics, such as religion, relationships, and all things regarding The Bachelor. Bonding over wings and late-night jam sessions down a winding road overlooking a river in our hometown, we could not be more diverse personality-wise than we already are. They truly understand my humor, sense of style, know what I'm going to say and do before I even know myself, and know how to cheer me up when I'm feeling the lowest of lows. I'm so glad to be rooted in such a group that always makes coming back home oh so worth it. Thus far, we haven't let the detriments and trials of college to separate us like we've heard friend groups often do when growing older. Mutual understanding and agreement that we will be in each other's lives for a very long time have made it easy to continue our friendship. They're what I look forward to most about going home, after seeing my family, of course. Not only has our friendship made the bad times easier, but also the good times even more memorable. My best moments have been shared over the phone with them, to mutual excitement and encouragements coming from the other end. I've learned that all one needs is a good Zookie to get accompany any gossip one has and that a simple pro/con list can make even a large decision. I've learned that I don't need to have friends that have all the same traits and interests with me, which has made being my own individual self even easier. Not only do they accept me for me, but they allow me to embrace it as well.

The friends I've gained while being in college truly turn it into my home-away-from-home. They understand the emotions of homesickness, failure from a test or lost opportunity, and the successes of shaving in the shower, and getting that cute boys number. Homesickness can be cured with either a good night out or a milkshake and a good movie. The transition to college was made easier by having friends like them. They make early morning breakfasts worth it, and late night homework sessions more bearable. There's just something about your college friends, man, but I don't know what it is. Maybe it's because I see them more often, or we're going through the same things at the same time that we share a bond, but I know they're going to be in my life for a while. And I'm sure happy about it. My mom always shares stories about her and her college friends, and it would always make me that much more excited to finally meet my college crew. After completing my first year of college, I'm happy with the crew I've got.

There's also an online crew of girls that I look to for advice dealing with all sorts of things relating to relationships, my faith, college, keeping up with my mental health, among all other aspects of my life. While I try to decrease the amount of time I spend on my phone, it's always nice to see positive posts on my feed when I need a boost.

My hope is that other girls also have their "girl gang." When a friend of mine in college recently confessed to me that she loved how me and my girlfriends from back home are still close, it reminded me that I do have a pretty good surrounding of women. Surrounding myself with women who are uplifting, empowering, and brighten my day makes life that much more fun to live.