Friendships are created all the time; you might not even be aware when one is forming. You make them everywhere in college: classes, clubs, work, on the bus, your dorm, and even on the street.
New friends come out of all kinds of places, high and low. You don't have to search for long before one strolls into your life. You might not even expect it to happen, but sometimes it is meant to be.
Starting at Grand Valley freshmen year was absolutely terrifying. Going from a town with just over 2,000 people to a campus with over 25,000 people is a huge change. I no longer knew everyone that passed me on the street, sat next to me in class, or even who lived two doors down.
Amongst all of the crazy ice-breakers, socials, and campus sponsored parties that Grand Valley has for freshmen, I tried to meet more people. During welcome week, a couple of girls were passing through the common area one night and asked if any of us would like to join them in another dorm for a chips and salsa social. I accepted and could not be happier that I did. The three of us began hanging out and have continued our friendship to this day. I love those girls to death.
I kept my door open a lot in the beginning of the semester in hopes of meeting people on my floor and, guess what, it worked. Two girls were walking by and decided to stop in because they saw my One Direction poster on my wall. We got to talking and made plans to hang out and the rest is history. Being friends with them also introduced me to so many other new people who also became some very important people in my life. We all continued to get closer and closer throughout the year, which led to three of them being my roommates and one living nearby.
Gradually I began to learn the names of every single person on my floor. I met so many amazing people and I wouldn't change a thing. I'm certainly not close with most of them, but a simple hello when I see them is enough for me.
The beginning of this year brought along some challenges in the friendship realm. Not all friendships made it through the long summer. I tried my best to keep them going, but some just aren't meant to be repaired. Through the loss I actually gained some amazing new people in my life. Being mutual friends did make it a little weird at first, but I can't imagine not having them around.
Through joining a new mentor type club this year, I was paired with a stranger to try to guide me through the crazy life that is college. Little did we know, we would become close so fast it almost seems like we have been friends for years. We are so different, yet we work so well together. I appreciate everything this girl has done for me so very much.
Spotlight, another club that I joined, also opened up my horizon to so many amazing people. It truly feels like a little family. I always have a blast with them, whether it is an event, tabling, or our meetings.
Being a broke college student, I had to increase my hours at work, but don't worry because I love my job. Working on campus was one of my best decisions. The environment and the people make it feel less like a job and more like a choice. This year I got the chance to get close to multiple co-workers, and I couldn't be happier. They are amazing people to be around and truly genuine people all around.
Putting myself out there has always been one of my weaknesses, but I knew that had to change when I went away to college. Like I said, I started making myself say hi to the strangers who passed me by, attending as many events as possible, and getting to know my co-workers. I encourage you to do the same! College is meant to be a time to find yourself, make new friends, gain a new perspective, and explore! What better way to do it than with some great new people by your side?
