Work Friend: Someone you connect with at work (i.e. messages all day, take bathroom breaks together and share your lunch).

According to former educational psychologist Donald Clifton, “Studies show that employees with a best friend at work tend to be more focused, more passionate and more loyal to their organizations. They get sick less often, suffer fewer accidents and change jobs less frequently. They even have more satisfied customers.”

Like many college students, I work during the school year. Though sometimes it can get stressful balancing work, school and extracurricular activities, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have been fortunate enough in my job to meet some of the best and brightest people. My co-workers are supportive, friendly and the best cheerleaders. I know that no matter what happens, I can count on them. Rain or shine, we are always here for one another. From desk visits, birthday parties, deposit runs and more, I am forever grateful that work has brought us together. My work friends have slowly become an integral part of my life. Thank you for all the coffee runs, late night food deliveries and emergency Tide sticks. Thank you for the kind words, endless laughs and the best hugs. Work friends become best friends and without them, I definitely would not have made it this far. So here’s to all the best work friends forever!

1. Work friends make that opening shift bearable. Waking up early to go to work is never fun, especially when you could be sleeping in before class instead.

2. Nobody understands the stress of the workday like your co-workers. Nobody quite gets the agony of trying to give clients directions on the phone for 20 minutes quite like them.

3. “I got your back!” If you’re having a rough day, they’re always there with a cup of coffee and a friendly smile.

4. Office gossip.

5. Work friends are family. College is tough, and it’s great to have people you can count on.

"There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate." ― Linda Grayson