As I began my drive to Texas, I started to think about who I was at this time last year. I remember how I felt and who I still talked to. I remember how it felt leaving my parents for the first time. I remember getting to Texas and realizing that was my new home. I remember how different I was.
Although high school hadn't ended too long ago, I stopped talking to many of my friends before school had even ended. During high school, I thought with more emotions than I do now and it caused me to lose many people I still care dearly about. Nonetheless, I still have one best friend I talk to every week, whom I pray I will never lose, and a few people I chat with every once in a while. Luckily, I had gotten the most toxic people out of my life.
As for how I felt, well, I was terrified. I've changed schools many, many times but this was different. I wasn't sure why, but it was. For some reason, I didn't think I was going to make any friends; a mindset I had pretty much every time I moved. Although my mindset was negative, I surely made a few fantastic friends. One quickly became my best friend, one eventually became my boyfriend, and some, unfortunately, unfriended me.
I started off the year playing soccer, determined to make something of myself in any way possible. I tried so hard to find the right thing for me, or really anything for me. Finally, in my second to last month of my second semester, I took an offer from the loud girl down the hall, whom I did not like. Upon spending more time with her, I realized we were so alike and we became fast friends and soon-to-be roommates. Not only did we click, but I became the Vice President of an organization called Turning Point, and boy did we click too. Though I haven't done too much for this org yet, it has done so much for me already.
If you had asked me what I wanted to do with my life this time last year, I could have drawn you an elaborate picture. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. Now I'm on my way to school, ready to change my major when I get back. While I haven't fallen out of love with politics, I have fallen in love with writing and talking about it. I was so offended when, in the beginning, people told me I would change my major. I thought they didn't believe in me and it frustrated me. Now I understand. In college, you discover your true passion. You take more specific classes which show you your interest. You may go to college thinking you want to major in one thing, but it's okay if you graduate with a new dream.
As I drive and reflect on the past year, I'm thankful for everything that has happened in the past year. All the new bonds, failed relationships, funny stories, deep conversations, sporting events, ticket stubs, pointless drives, and random trips to Walmart have made me who I am right now. I'm going into this year with amazing people in my life, a new major, awesome roommates, new experiences, and a positive attitude.
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1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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