I got my acceptance letter, my closest friends got theirs and it finally sunk in: we wouldn't be going to the same colleges. After spending our entire lives together, laughing our way through our awkward middle school years and walking in together for the first day of high school, we would have to walk into our first days of college alone. (Cue the violins.) People warned us that this was where our friendship would come to an end. They would say dramatically, "Say your goodbyes, because when you go to college you'll probably never talk to these people again." We said our goodbyes, but when I went off to college, my best friends never left. Here's why having best friends at other colleges is, in fact, the greatest thing ever:
1. #NoNewFriends is not my motto.
Let's be real. If my best friends and I had gone off to college together, we really wouldn't have needed anyone else. But, now we each have new friends from all over the country that we also cannot imagine life without.
2. There are countless stories to tell.
Before college, we didn't have as many stories to tell because we were together when most of the major events went down. However, now, when the lost freshman guy across the hall asks me to iron his shirt (I'm counting on him not reading this), I get locked out of my room in the middle of the night with nothing but my laundry detergent or I trip up the steps of Dallas Hall, I know just who to call.
3. We can text virtually any thought via our group text.
Sometimes, I have a really funny thought. If I don't share that thought, then I'll forget it, and never get it back. Thank goodness for the group text! Plus, my friends are funnier than I am, and a few words in a text can help turn a lousy morning around. Also, a reliable group text means I always have someone for any uncomfortable situation when I want to text to look busy.
4. We can't get sick of each other.
I can't remember the last time I fought or got annoyed with my long distance best friends. We appreciate the time that we get to talk, because life is busy, and we don't get to see each other every day. We understand each other better than anyone, so solid advice is guaranteed.
5. I get my money's worth on my data plan.
We have mastered all of the forms of virtual communication: SnapChat, texting, three-way-phone calls, FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, even RapChat (if you haven’t tried this one, you’re missing out). Thanks to modern technology, everyone is just a swipe of the thumb away.
6. Even though we're in different places, we're experiencing the same things.
My long distance friends and I have all had those times when we open our mouths to speak and people say, “You’re not from around here, are you?” When I ventured out on my own freshman year to try to find organizations I clicked with and meet new people, so did they. When I crammed for midterms and reached a delirious state of exhaustion, so did they. When all I want is to eat a Chili’s “skillet cookie” and return to the days with no responsibility, I’m not alone.
7. It makes going home even sweeter.
We may already be updated on the latest life stories, but virtual communication has nothing on our highly anticipated reunion. We may be a little out of the loop on the news of our hometown (There are two Walmarts now? What?), but we do our best to work together to catch up.
8. We can road trip to each other’s colleges.
Having a friend at another college means that you can experience that college for the weekend! I could go to A&M, learn to two-step, and say "Howdy" to every person I pass by. I can “Keep it Weird” at UT Austin by taking some wannabe hipster photos by a graffiti mural, or I could go to LSU, eat a lot of Cajun food, and start spelling “go” like “geaux.” In the words of the wise Hilary Duff, "Why not?" Going away for college expands your world, but having connections in other places multiples that. The possibilities are endless.
Sometimes I think it would be easier if we were together, but I think that is the point. By forcing us to stretch outside of our comfort zones and carve out our own paths, we have all become more independent. So, don’t believe what people tell you. It’s the 21st Century. Friendships can travel with you.
