People say that the friends you meet in college will be your friends for life. Freshman year is a clean slate; a chance to be whoever you want to be, take classes you could never take in high school, and try entirely new experiences. And your friends are there each step of the way, creating plenty of reasons to be thankful for them.
1. Not comparing me to your friends from home.
Leaving home for your freshman year of college is the exhilarating first step in the next chapter of your life. But no matter how ready you are to leave home, there’s no denying that you leave behind some of the people you love the most, your best friends. The ones who have seen you at your best and at your worst; the ones who witnessed your most embarrassing moments, laughed with you at the most inappropriate times, and cried with you the night after graduation. It takes years to build up the trust, love, and support that cements the bond of a best friend. Freshman year of college, you have to start over and build new friendships from the bottom up. Yes, your old friends have seen all of your go-to outfits, know exactly who you’re trying to avoid at the football game, and tell your mom that, yes, you were at their house, without having to ask you where you really were, but with new chapters come new characters. Thank you for getting to know me; for creating new memories, new adventures, and a perfect start to the next four years.
2. Always begging me to go out with you.
Whether I’ve stayed in to catch up on homework for a couple weekends or been by your side, dancing and singing along to throwback Britney songs, it doesn’t stop you from begging me to come with you again this weekend. Every night is a new adventure, thanks to your outgoing spirit and contagious energy. Even if we end up at a pizza place at 2 a.m. or back in our dorm watching old "Gossip Girl" episodes, the night never feels wasted. Thanks for always letting me borrow your clothes, having the best Uber playlists, and making every weekend worth it.
3. Always letting me hang out in your room.
And hanging out with me in mine. Whether it’s to vent about an annoying professor or just watch Netflix after classes, you always let me share your space (and your snacks). Thank you for giving me a place to talk, to nap, or to get ready on a Friday night, and keeping me company when it’s my turn to be the host. There’s no place like a home away from home…Even if it's right down the street.
4. Understanding when it’s a stressful day.
I didn’t get a coffee this morning, I forgot I had a quiz in my calc class, and I have a 10-page paper due tomorrow that I haven’t started. So if I snap at you when you ask me to go to the dining hall, thank you for not taking it personally. You never fail to understand that we all have bad days, and it’s just the stress talking (not me). Thank you for always being patient with me, no matter what the situation.
5. And making sure I’m not going have a complete mental breakdown.
Whether it’s just a little encouragement, a much needed coffee, or a vent session, you know just what to do to calm me down and make sure I get my work done. You are constantly willing to look out for your friends before yourself, no matter what the situation is.
6. Understanding when it’s a Friday night but I’m so close to finishing 'One Tree Hill'…
As much fun as our weekends are, sometimes Netflix calls. When you get to season nine after binge-watching a show for three weeks, it can be hard to pull yourself away. Thank you for understanding when I spend a Friday night in bed with Nathan, Lucas, and maybe some ice cream – and for crying with me during the last episode.
7. For being just as determined as I am to take full advantage of college.
I wouldn’t want to make a bucket list of the 25 things we have to do before the end of freshman year with anyone else. Whether it’s discovering a new restaurant, going to a new place on the weekends, trying a new food truck, making a video of our memories, or exploring an exhibit at the museum down the street, thank you for being up for any adventure. College wouldn’t be nearly as fun without you.
