College is the time for major change--my experience will be no exception. While everyone finds their place within this different atmosphere, there are some things I want my potential new friends to know.

Everything in our lives is shifting from what we knew to what we know now. The first couple of weeks at college will consist of awkward introductions and phone number exchanges, and it will not be very fun but will rather feel really forced and desperate. But after powering through these required activities, you might discover that you actually like some of the people you're going to school with (and not in a bad way, either).

So once I get to the point where I can tell you the things only some of my best friends know, or when I can allow myself to open up and laugh like an idiot, watch my favorite TV shows with you, and rant about all the stressful classes and relationship problems to come, I want you to know that it is something that doesn't come easy. Opening up to the friends I have now was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, and this will be no different. All I ask is that you're patient with me, and in the meantime, we can just laugh at the craziness surrounding us.

Some of you might only be potential, and may just become people who mold my journey. You are all important too. Without the friends along the way, I wouldn't come out of experiences stronger, and wiser for trusting those I may not have clicked with or gotten along with as well as others. We as people have differences and it would only seem fair that I wouldn't necessarily love every person who has been a negative influence or who has brought me down in my self-discovery. The good will always outweigh the bad, but throughout all the fights we have to realize even the people we don't want to give credit to, sometimes deserve it.

Some of you might become my person(s). You'll get to know I like food and Netflix more than anything else when I'm sad, and we may even learn to give each other the look that shows exactly what the other one is thinking. There will be many nights out (and many nights in), and weird confessions and times we'll say we're going to get our lives together but to no prevail. To the friends I'll meet in college, I hope you know what you're in for. It's hard to let go of the people we already have beside us, but it's always good to add more people to your inner circle. When you become a part of my circle, just know you will never leave my heart. Once I know you, I care about you. And once I care about you, there's nothing you can do about it. No matter your quirks, failures, and mistakes. I am a friend for life.

Starting this new chapter off with a fresh and open mind to everyone I meet can only lead to great things, and that I am sure of. So although it might be slightly uncomfortable at first, I'm excited to meet all of you potential people and create memories that will last a lifetime.