One thing that I have noticed over the past two years is the power of humility, and what it means to be humble. Humility in friendship is a major quality that I look for in friends of mine, and college has shown me that humility is everything.

My sophomore year, I struggled to find a friend group after two of my friends left for different reasons. After a few weeks of the school year had gone by, I realized that there were people right in front of me who wanted to hang out. I just had to reach out. One of these friends was my orientation leader from before my freshman year, Taylor. I concretely remember texting her to see if we could hang out for lunch one day, desperately in need for a friend. She enthusiastically texted back saying that she would love to! So, a few days later we met up and hung out. The rest is history.

After that, we hung out every week. This past year, we hung out multiple times per week. This last year was her senior year, so we wanted to make the most of the time. Every time we hung out, it was always an adventure that was food related. We would go to numerous restaurants around our college town and give them a run for their money. Taylor would pick me up outside of my dorm, and we'd go eat some of the best meals that Dubuque could provide two hungry college students. Jamming out to Bleachers was always guaranteed! One day we ate like wolves at Texas Roadhouse and came back with food comas that are meant for Thanksgiving (Seriously, we ate an appetizer, two baskets of rolls, one main course each, two sides each, and split a dessert)! It was always something that I looked forward to, and cherished during a busy week. Some days I would be having a really bad day, and hanging out would be the thing that would get me through. Not only is it fun hanging out with friends, but it is also cool when you are able to learn from them. Through becoming friends with my orientation leader, I have learned a great deal about humility and helping others, even just through eating lunch and hanging out. A great friend isn't just someone that you hang out with, they are also able to really teach you so much.

Part of our food attack at Texas Roadhouse!Credit: Audrey Peterson

Humility can be seen as many things. Through this friendship, I have learned about humility in the way that Taylor downplays her accomplishments and puts others before herself. One night we were hanging out and I mentioned a major award she got earlier that day. She just shrugged and said that she was honored and that was the end of that. I really admire that because a lot of times people want to draw out their accomplishments and shout them from the rooftops. The way that she puts others before herself really is incredible. It makes me want to be a better version of myself every single day. Before I ever had a chance to ask Taylor about how things were going, she would say, "What's up, Audrey!! How are you?". That really impacted me, and really shows that a friendship is more about listening than talking. What if as a society we spent more time listening to each other rather than trying to fill up airtime with our own words? Sit on that thought for a while.

Another story that is inspiring is related to Loras College Dubuddies and the women's basketball team. Loras College Dubuddies is an organization that focuses on giving Dubuque community members with disabilities a chance to connect with the Duhawk community. Dubuddies members go to a lot of women's basketball games. My buddy was on the team, and a lot of times I would be at the games too. After the game, I would watch my buddy interact with members of the Dubuddies community. They were gravitated towards her because of her kind nature. She would take the time to talk to them and hang out with them. Being able to see her impact not just the Loras community, but also the Dubuque community was very special.

Now that Taylor has graduated and I am a senior now, I am more than ready to continue her legacy. Befriending underclassmen who need a friend is something I am so excited about. Being able to show underclassmen that a senior cares is something that is really important. After experiencing this myself, I am more than ready to be there for them and help them along during their college journey. Thank you so much to Loras College Orientation 2016 for bringing me one of my favorite people and closest friends in the entire world. This friendship has taught me more lessons than a homework assignment could, and I am forever grateful.