From middle school to high school I was friends with the same group of people. We grew up together, played on the same teams, went to school together. I thought that these people would be my friends for life. But that all changed very quickly after high school graduation. People started fading away and meaningful conversations turned into asking for favors. I started thinking and realizing that the friends I had were more out of convenience rather than true friendship. I mean, I believe that at some point I had genuine friendships with these people, but as we were all about to go our own ways things started to change. Once I got to school, I realized what true friendship was.

When I had left for school to go move into my dorm with my new roommates, I had kept in touch with two of my friends from high school, and still do to this day. They have been the ones to stick with me and be there for me. So have my new friends.

I have never been one to want or have a million friends, that's just not me. I'd rather have a small circle of close friends than a huge circle of people I just hang out with. I have found new friends to add to my small circle, and they're people who I believe will be my friends for life. These people have seen me at my worst and my best. They've been there for me when I needed them.

My roommates have become two of my closest friends and they've seen every part of me. Days and nights where I cry because I miss home or because school is stressful. They've sat there and listened to me ramble about nonsense, and have sat to have those talks until 3 A.M. about life. We lived together for a whole year and saw every good and bad thing about each other. Through ups and downs, we are always there for each other. I've learned what a real friend is by becoming friends and living with them.

Real friends don't talk you down or make you feel bad about yourself. Real friends inspire and believe in you. They bring you out of your comfort zone to make you a better person. They are there to give you advice and help you out when you need them. Real friends don't use you for the favors they need done. No matter what, mad at them or not, they're always there.

My two best friends from high school have also taught me what real friendship is. They've still kept in touch and have been there for me, regardless that I'm 1,000 plus miles away. We don't have to talk every single day to know we are still close friends. I know that if I need someone to talk to, I can text or call one of them and they will be there for me. Those two are some of my best friends.

I'm so lucky to have such great friends. Both my ones from home and my new ones, have taught me what a real friend is. I'm forever grateful for y'all.