The friendships you have in college differ significantly to your childhood and high school friendships. Although you have only known some of these people for a couple years or so, you feel more comfortable around them than any other friend you have ever had. Some of your college friends may even be the best friends you have had so far.

I have discerned that, while in college, you are getting a better grasp of who you are and who you want to be. Conformity is irrelevant. You have realized that it is acceptable to be yourself, which means that individuals that have similar values, senses of humor, and aspirations as you begin to gravitate towards you.

Whether or not they are the friend you met while waiting in line for coffee, the friend you met in a study group, or the friend you met through a club you joined, they have already had such a large impact on you. It is easier for you to open up to others when you understand who you are. You can’t help but want to share that with them

Some people enter college with the mindset that they will be able to maintain all of the friendships they had prior to college no matter the circumstances. However, there are many factors that can prevent this from happening, like distance, lack of free time, and new friends entering one's life. Some old friendships work out, some, unfortunately, do not.

There is another category of individuals who have every intent to abandon the reputation they had in the past, which may require them to end to those former friendships as well. Some people feel that in order for themselves to change, the people they associate themselves with must also change.

No matter your intentions when you come to college, every single person you will meet will have an effect on your life in some sort of way. In spite of all the snap judgements you make, you will realize that people are so much more than what their appearance reveals. People will prove you wrong on a daily basis.

I want all of my college friends to know that I appreciate them more than they could ever know. Although I have not known you long, we have already been through so many different experiences together. From the numerous all-nighters spent in the library cramming for exams. To the countless sporting events, parties, and concerts we have attended. To crying to each other about breakups or a job you didn’t get, and then consoling each other with sympathetic words and ice cream. It is evident that we have had such large impacts on each other’s lives within such a short amount of time.

The friends you have in college are unlike any others you will ever have. You will share so many moments with them and learn a lot with them. You might not be able to continue your friendship after you graduate, but these individuals are helping shape you into your future adult self. You are all building the foundation for the rest of your lives together, and that is something special.