I've always picked my friends wisely and cautiously. That in itself requires a lot of time and energy.

You just never know when someone will randomly turn their back on you, and I think that is what scares a lot of people. However, when you get to openly bond with people that share similar interests and humor, it opens up doors.

When you get into new possible friendships with people, I think it's necessary to be aware of the possibilities at hand. Are they going to be supportive? Are they going to just be around for the fun times?

Are they going to encourage you to pursue your dreams? Or are they going to tear you apart?

Before going into these potential relationships, it's crucial to ask yourself these questions so that you can spare yourself the overthinking and hurt feelings.

On the other hand, it's also important to be open-minded nonetheless. Being overly concerned about heading into new territories prevents you from being the best you.

From my experiences in high school, I would stick with those who I grew up with since I started in the district. That was what I was most comfortable with, and that was where most of my trust was. Making new friends was way too exhausting.

Leaving the small town behind after graduation, I still kept a couple of close friends around. They will always be home to me.

Going to college was a different story. I couldn't just carry my childhood friends around in my purse whenever I would need them. I had to face college on my own and make new friends. I kept thinking of the phrase, "College is where you'll make friendships that'll last a lifetime", and I just couldn't fathom that.

I couldn't get past the thought of meeting new people that I would actually become close with, especially after taking twelve years to trust my high school friends. Not alone that, but I chose to commute.

I went to college thinking that I was going to show up to my classes and head home. After all, I was going to college to better myself and my future. I thought I wouldn't have time to bond with friends on campus.

Little did I know that I would get involved in two clubs relating to my major. And with that, club devotion meant showing up to activities and shoots other than the weekly meetings.

That is where the friendships started. I started to bring together different people I had met through the clubs and classes. The next thing I know, we formed a group.

At first, we used to just go to the club meetings and that was it. Next, we would start to hang out every Thursday night at a place on campus that would hold activities after regular hours.

Now we try our best to get together, go out, and experience campus life as much as we can. It feels so rewarding to have a group of supportive and optimistic friends by my side.

I now realize that college isn't just about going to classes. It's about creating special moments. It's about supporting your friends' growth and giving them an extra push when they need it. It's about surviving these difficult years by the sides of your friends.

I can't picture my experience any other way. I have truly made friendships that will last a lifetime.