Throughout my life, I've always been the shy and quiet kid who liked to keep to herself. I never really had an easy time making friends; just acquaintances. However, I never had an issue with this. I always had a close friend or two, and that's all I needed.

I've always been independent. Even through my teenage years, I never really enjoyed large social gatherings or even slumber parties because everything I did was routine; I enjoyed going to bed early and waking up early. I wasn't like the majority of my peers, but like I said, that didn't bother me. I enjoyed my own life.

I kind of felt like I was in my own bubble. I would spend most of my time reading, listening to music or playing guitar or piano, writing, focusing on my academics, or practicing my sports. Occasionally, I would spend time with friends on the weekends, but I always enjoyed being home early. For the most part, the largest group of interactions I would be caught in was during sports, but even then, I didn't socialize much. Sports were, however, were the best part of my life. My teams were like a second family to me, regardless of how close I was to the girls on my teams.

Now I am in college, and my life has become something I would never have expected. Before moving to college, I expected I would continue to pursue my journey by myself. Of course, I thought I would have friendly acquaintances, and I do. Throughout my first semester of freshman year, I didn't have many friends. I was shy. I had a difficult time approaching people and making friends. Similar to my childhood, I spent my time exploring by myself and focusing on my own goals and aspirations. This set a fire in my soul to do my best and do what I need to land my dreams. I think this time by myself was necessary, and I enjoyed it because it was what I was used to.

My second semester, I made a group of close friends. This group has helped me grow so much. Coming into the group, I was still shy, and I didn't talk much, but that was never an issue. Little by little, I began to feel more comfortable not only with my own social abilities with people I am associated with but also with anybody. I noticed a difference as my social interactions at work and in class got much stronger and the words I spoke came out so much more confident.

My group of friends is the most supportive, hard-working, and witty people I know, and I truly feel blessed to experience this kind of friendship. I had a few close friends in high school, and this college friendship I've so conveniently became a part of has filled the void of my high school best friends and I go separate ways.

With all of that being said, I want to give a big thank you and shout out to the friends I have made so far in my college journey. I would never have imagined finding such wonderful and supportive people, who I will always support, and I know will always be there for me as well. This is, by far, what I will remember when I look back on my college experiences. Thank you for helping push me to be the best I can be, even though you probably don't even realize you did that. Because of you, I am confident, I am happy, and I feel accepted.

I truly don't know where I would be without you guys, and I don't care to know either, because this is a friendship I will treasure my entire life, no matter what.