College has been huge for me, something I believe a lot of people can relate to. I'm a senior now and these past four years have shaped who I am astronomically. They influence my decisions and the life I will lead from here on out. One of the most important things I've gained in college is a new family. Not one that replaces my family, because nothing could ever do that, but another family. A family of friends who have become so dear to me I cannot imagine continuing life without them in some way.

During college, I have made and even lost many friends, but there is a family of friends I know I can always count on. These past four years have been hard on my real family and my found family has been a major source of comfort and love for me in those hard times. I've had major falling outs with my parents and my friends have been there to ease the burden. When I've lost other friendships, I've always known I can count on them.

I have one friend who I consider a soul-brother. A bit like a soulmate, but I love him as deeply as I would a brother. I have two little brothers who mean the world to me. I would die for them in a heartbeat. This friend means almost as much to me as them. I never had a sibling my age, as I'm the oldest by many years, and to have someone my age who I can count on like a brother has been immensely helpful for me. We argue about stupid stuff and I know I can talk to him about anything. He is my logical and rational side, whereas I've taught him what reacting purely from emotion looks like. When he's around I feel safer.

I have another friend who I'll be living with for a bit after graduation. She's probably the most like home for me, which is how I think family should feel. Familial love is like coming home whenever you're around your family. Hanging out with her allows me to be unashamedly me, all the time. That's what I think being around family should feel like: the ability to express who you are without fear.

I have friends who literally call themselves a family and they blessed me by taking me in. I wrote an article about them once ; I was at a very low point in life when they welcomed me into their lives. They're all older than me (only by two years) and have taught me so much about growth and love. If I was to continue with an actual family analogy, they'd be like cool older siblings or cousins. I look up to them and turn to them for strength and guidance. Even when they come to me for advice, I still feel that way about them. Out of all my friend groups, this one has most been like a family to me.

I also have friends I've had since my freshman year at Arcadia. One was my original roommate. She was the first taste I had of found family at college. From the start, her parents took me in and cared about me. They were my Mama Bear and Papa Bear. I'm so grateful to her and her parents for showing me compassion that first semester. These friends that have stuck by my side for four years know me better than most people. They have seen me grow, regress, and grow again. They know my triggers and strengths. They have lived with me and loved me. I couldn't be more grateful. A lot of people say that your roommates and freshman friends become family and they couldn't be more right.

My last found family lies in the church. Since coming to college, my relationship with God has grown astronomically. It has seen its struggles as well, but my family within my fellowship has been crucial in helping me nurture this relationship. I have made beautiful friends through the Arcadia Christian Fellowship. I became closer to one of my older friends through ACF and she then introduced me to that family. My "brother" and I grew our friendship through attending church with one another. Other friends that I have met through knowing God truly feel like part of my extended family. The best friendships and love can be found through Jesus.

Having both a real family and found family has been wonderful for me. The first 18 years of my life shaped me for better and worse, but that's a different story here. I know what I can thank my family for in those years, whether they be immediate or extended family. Whether they be in Pennsylvania, Arizona, or Michigan. In these last four years, I have been shaped more than I can explain. That is what I can thank my found family for.

I consider most of my close friends to be part of my found family and I just cannot thank everyone I know and love enough for being in my life. I love you all.