Regardless of how much of a mess your life may be, or how many problems you may be dealing with, it is absolutely necessary to take a step back and realize the amazing people you have in your life. These people, contrary to others, will be there by your side for life. While some people may not want to admit it, most boys in your life will come and go, but best friends will be there forever, so never give any less attention to your best friends as you would a boyfriend or significant other.

When I first came to college, I met so many people who would express their love for school, and their hatred for home. While I do love my school, and all of the wonderful people I have met, I cannot imagine ever having those hateful feelings towards home. My home is where my 11 soul mates are -- my rocks, the loves of my life, and my support system. We are in a group chat together 24/7, and my phone constantly goes off, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

It is actually the most amazing feeling know that I have 11 unique, quirky, smart, brave, unbelievable soul mates whom I know, for a straight fact, will be in my life until the day that I die. Not that I ever forget, but sometimes it goes unnoticed. Having a boyfriend for so long, I would have to pass up a lot of time spent bonding with my besties. I began to miss out on moments together with my people.

It wasn't until I didn't have a boyfriend anymore, and I had all of the time in the world to spend with my day one favorites. And the feeling overwhelmed me all over again. The love I felt from each and every one of them in my time of loneliness and despair reassured me of my forever friends. It is these times -- no makeup, all in our grey jumpsuit apparatus' (to my friends this means grey sweatpants accompanied by a grey sweatshirt, i.e., a groutfit), stuffing our faces with ice cream, and watching some stupid reality TV show -- when it becomes extremely evident just how amazing of a group of people I have to call mine. And, just how much pain I can physically take from laughing so hard over something that for sure does not deserve that much laughter. Of course, there's fighting here and there, as with any other group of friends, but there is also an overwhelming sense of security and ease knowing that anywhere I am, at any time, if I need to talk, each and every one of them will be there for me in a second. You don't come across that too much these days.

So, take the time to thank your best friends, whomever they are and however many you have, even if it is just one person. Friendship is so essential to a happy life, and laughing truly is the best medicine. If there is one thing I wish, it is that everyone else in the world has at least one best friend that can compare to mine.

I thank God each and every day for giving me these incredible people to call my best friends. I am so spoiled and I know it. I will never be able to truly and adequately express my gratitude towards my people, but luckily I know that I have the rest of my life to try.