Growing up I always heard the saying "what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger", but I never knew how much meaning it would hold in my life until a few years ago. Embarking on my freshman year of college there were so many people who said "I am here if you need me" or "I'm always there, I'll visit you". As the year went on I slowly but surely realized that majority of the ones who said those words were the main ones who went missing.

At that point in my life I recognized who would always be around and those who were genuine with their support and concerns. As the years went on I found myself surrounded by those who loved and supported me through pretty much anything. Whether I found myself in a situation I had clearly gotten myself into and my sisters had to help me out of or I was hungry and refused to ask anyone to buy me food, my support system always knew a way to fix things.

A few days ago I celebrated my 22nd birthday and realized halfway through the day that there was one thing I missed, being able to celebrate that day with my mom in person. Throughout the 4 years I have been in school so far no other time has been the hardest but my birthdays. This is how I know that the saying "what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger" has gained meaning for me. Being in college so far has taught me that the strength others have only come when you have gone through something or found yourself in situations that only you and God can get you out of.