When I started my freshman year over a year ago, I didn't know one person. I was hours away from my family and friends that I've known my whole life. I was eager to start a new chapter in my life and had a positive mindset about college. Throughout the first semester of my freshman year, I started to find my people. My people that were there to stay up way too late, eating food way too bad for us and laughing till our stomachs hurt.

It all started with my roommate. The person who was there for my lowest and highest points of freshman year. She introduced me to her friends from high school, and we all automatically clicked. Over a year later and these are the people I can't believe I survived my whole life without them. The girls on my floor soon became a huge part of my life. We looked out for each other and always made sure to check up on one another throughout the day. We all were on our own for the first time and realized we needed each other. These people are my backbones of college. They support and love me for exactly who I am with no judgments, what more can you ask for from a friend?

Then, I joined a sorority. Being hours from home I knew I wanted to be apart of Greek life. I figured this would get me involved and help me meet people easier. Little did I know I joined a chapter of 200 women that became my home away from home. I found the people I could go to for anything, knowing I was completely supported and loved. This sorority has lead me to some of the best friends I know I will have for life.

All of these people became such a huge part of my life in such a short amount of time. They know my family, friends from home, my past, and have become like family. College is a crazy and stressful time that can really get to you sometimes. Luckily, whenever the stress does get to me, I have these people to go to who will be there for me with advice.

The friends I've met in college really are like a family. We all look out for each other and always have one another's best interest at heart. Thank you to all of the friends I've made who love and accept me, along with all the craziness you have to deal. We have been through some of the most exciting and nerve-wracking times of our life, and without you, I probably wouldn't have made it. Thank you for taking care of me in every aspect of college.

Here's to another two and a half years of laughs, stress and crazy times.