I've been privileged enough to develop some very close friendships during my freshman year of college. It's really opened up my eyes to how friendships can and should work and how people should treat you. The people that I've met this year have been my biggest support system and my peppiest cheerleaders.

Whenever I had a rough time, I always had people there waiting with encouraging words, a hug, or some ice cream. These people have constantly been there to pick me up during emotional break downs, failed tests, and just plain days where I didn't want to be at school.

These people have been here as my personal comedians. Whether that's creating some "bits" or having someone watch "The Office" with me or try to find the humor in small things when everything seems to be going wrong. Every one of my friends can make me laugh no matter what mood I'm in and I'm forever grateful for their senses of humor.

These people have had real conversations with me. Conversations about life, love, hardships, family, college, feminism, politics—you name it. These friends are not afraid to get to the deep stuff and learn about who I really am as a person and not just how I portray myself outwardly.

These friends have always made me feel accepted exactly the way I am. With being pretty hard to deal with at times, never once have any of them told me I needed to change this or that. They built me up when I had some extremely twisted views of myself. They made me feel loved.

These friends are passionate. It is my absolute favorite thing about them. They are passionate in so many walks of life—musical theatre, opera, writing, psychology, feminism, running, piano, organ, dance team, photography, art and so many more. It makes me so proud and unbelievably happy when I see my friends do or talk about their passions. It is one of the most wonderful things to see them live out the things they truly love doing; the way their eyes light up and when smiles stretch across their face is what gives me hope.

I am lucky enough to I have my own personal music theory tutor—someone I can always talk music with, complain to, and laugh with. I've found a girl who is just as sassy and sarcastic as me (that's tough) and who is so confident in herself, it inspires me.

I've found a hilarious guy who without a doubt knows all the words to "Hamilton" and challenges me to step up my game as a performer and as a human being. I've mad a friend who will always listen to me and never say no to "Next To Normal."

I've met people that share my love for cheese, people that teach me how to hoola-hoop and give me feedback on mediocre cartwheels. I've met the most kind, generous, caring roommate who after six short months has become one of the best friends I've ever had. I'm friends with people who give me huge, warm hugs and always greet with me with a smile. I've made friends that have given me more confidence than I've ever had in my entire life.

These people have become my family. In each of them, I find qualities I try to add to my own life. If I can become half as good of the people they are I would be amazed.

These people make my life so much better. I know that they will always have my back and always help me in anyway they can. They'll always be there with me to go on a walk, get coffee, hang out in my room, see a concert, sing with me, or eat bagels with me.

Without them, I truly don't know what I would do. They've helped me through some really dark times and through some major adjustment periods. I truly can't fathom how I got so lucky, but I am so so thankful that I did.