It's all so strange, isn't it? In high school, I thought the friends would be my friends for life. Nothing would be able to tear us apart even with all of us going to different colleges. Fast forward to year three of college, and I can count on one hand how many of those "best friends" I talk to now.

Friendships fall apart, people change, I can give the whole speech, but I'll keep it as simply saying that those friendships fell apart, to bring me the people who are in my life now. And although I lost some people, I found individuals who will more than likely be my bridesmaids, godparents to my children, people that will be around for the rest of my life.

I could write a whole chapter over each one of the individuals who has built me to become who I am now but I'll keep that for another time. Each of their stories is unique in their own way but something they all have in common is the manner in which we met. College.

College is a weird place. One day, I'm sitting next to someone I hardly know, both of us complaining about how difficult the class is. Next thing you know, I'm sitting next to this same person on our living room couch watching Vine compilations.

My friendships in college are way different than those in college because we're all on our own different schedules so we may not speak in two days or even see each other for a week, but when we get together, it feels like we've never been away from one another. There's always something to talk about or not talk about because they've only known me for one to three years of my life. Yet, they knew me better than I know myself sometimes. I can sigh or put my pencil down on my desk in a different way and they immediately know if something is up or not.

The thing that amazes me most? Effort. So much effort is reciprocated in our friendships. I have friends that will stay with me in the library until 2 am because I need to study for an exam, friends who will drive me to Houston to pick up my sister from the airport, friends who will make it clear that every Wednesday will be sleepover Wednesday since we no longer live together, and most importantly friends who are real with me especially when I need it most.

As some of you know, this year hasn't been the best and there have been lots of moments when all hope seems lost. If it weren't for my friends, who knows where I'd be. They've been my biggest supporters throughout all the chaos. Not a day goes by without their constant support. If I don't see them, they text me asking how I'm doing. Slowly but surely, I'm starting to feel like myself again thanks to them. Thanks to their constant love, reminders of who I am, of who I want to be, of who I strive to be.

So if you find yourself a little lost, don't be afraid to reach out to your friends. Sometimes it just takes that little push to create some life-changing bonds.

And if you haven't met friends that make you laugh until your stomach hurts, make you question where they've been all your life, don't worry they'll come soon. I didn't meet my people until my second semester of college. When you know, you kinda sorta know.

So, don't fret pals.