Sometimes you meet people in your life you never expected to discover. More importantly, I never expected to change for the better and find myself because of them. When I first joined the group chat that would change my life, I was scared. People in my school were cliquey and not welcoming. It was simply hard for me to make friends at my school and every day I would pray and hope for a great group of friends.

While some moments were hard and it felt long and lonely, it was worth the wait.

After getting a leadership position at Cteen (a Chabad teen organization for all Jewish high school teens), the admins had us make a separate chat since we spammed it so much. At first, I was overwhelmed since everyone seemed to know each other. I wondered if I would ever make friends with these strangers. I started to text and respond to messages and it made me smile.

Eventually, I realized most people were new and didn't know each other. Everyone was friendly and happy to talk which made a stressful time happy. The best part was that they were able to relate. Knowing how stressful school can be and the pressures of social life. Whenever someone was down or needed to vent, we listened and responded when necessary.

Eventually, we realized how caring and how real everyone was and we simply became a family. Even though they lived so far I knew I could trust them and they could trust me. Yes, we argue and get into fights, but we come back stronger and more united.

As this past school year came, more people joined, which meant more opportunities for friends. This year I met and connected with some amazing people from New York, Panama, Israel, California, Ukraine, the U.K., and more. I remember meeting people and instantly feeling a connection instead of it feeling like an awkward moment.

I remember meeting one of my best friends from the U.K. when I was in the car on the way back from the market. Just seeing her willingness to open up and connecting to someone from across the pond was incredible. Eventually, we formed a sister-like bond that I rarely had before.

In February, I got to meet and reunite with my friends, which was amazing. Finally meeting the people who have been with me through the good and the bad and the funny and the sad was magical. Meeting them made me so happy and realized we all have a plan. To this day I still keep in touch with them and love them with all my heart. You will find friends and the people that make you feel special.