Best friends bring a lot into your life. Everything from light, laughter, joy, jealousy, sadness, anger. They are your chosen family, a patchwork group of people who you can’t imagine living without. They are the people that see you through your best and worst moments. They are also the people who can teach you some of the most important things you’ll learn in life.

In my 20 years, I’ve been blessed to become close with so many people, close enough to call them my best friends. There are the girls I’ve known since elementary school, and the girls I didn’t meet until college but I feel like I’ve always known them. I have learned something from each and every one of them, and I think the life lessons are good enough to pass on.

1. When the going gets tough, best friends don’t get going.

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned from my friends is to be there for them. It doesn’t matter if they brought a bad situation on themselves. It doesn’t matter if I don’t like their significant other, when they’re in a rough patch, or they’re just seeking a little support, hear them out. Offer them your wisdom. Give them a shoulder to cry on. No matter what you do, just be there. The most comforting thing in the world is to know you’re not alone.

2. Work hard for what you want.

I’m surrounded by a bunch of tough girls who are relentless when it comes to working hard. It’s not just a matter of making grades or making a living. I’m constantly inspired by their work ethics. Whenever I feel like I’m chasing my own tail or something is too hard for me to accomplish, I take notes from them. I’d put money down that they could conquer the whole world if they wanted to. It’s impossible not to want to put in 110 percent when you’re around them.

3. Heartbreak isn’t the end of the world.

...As much as it feels like it is. Love is beautiful, heartbreak is ugly. However, it’s not something to stop living your life for. I’ve watched my friends fall in love, get trampled, and become better versions of themselves because of it. There’s something to be said about making the best of the worst situations.

4. Don’t hesitate to pursue what makes you a better person.

Find a way out of your dead end job. Cut out things or people that aren’t helping you grow. Keep your loved ones close and grow the confidence to take risks. Seek not just happiness, but balance.

5. Take advantage of life’s every opportunity, big and small.

Sign up for that extra class to get ahead and expand your knowledge. Leave your frustrating homework at 9:00 p.m. to sit out in the middle of campus and look at the stars. Say yes to that date. Join a club or two. Study abroad. Apply for a job or internship that intimidates you. Move away to somewhere new. You know what they say, you’ll never know until you try.

There are probably a million more lessons my best friends have taught me over the years. It’s hard to remember them all because I’m constantly learning from them every day. But that’s how I know they’re so special to me — because the best friends are the best teachers.