Lately, I’ve been seeing multiple posts about my peers losing friends and having to cut people off. It seems like people my age are all going through a stage of outgrowing some of the people they used to be so close to and being forced to leave them in their past. I’m not saying that this is a bad thing because I’ve outgrown a fair amount of people throughout my life, but that doesn’t eliminate the fact that it’s sad to see some of your deepest, closest friendships turn to dust. It’s heartbreaking when someone you used to share everything with turns into a nothing but a stranger with memories. Everyone you meet comes into your life for a reason; some friendships just tend to last longer than others. Whether people are only a part of your life temporarily or for the long haul, you should always be thankful for the opportunity they give you to grow. Even though there are some people you are better off without, one of the most important things in life is finding the people who are worth it and never, ever letting them go. I'm glad I've found mine.

Emma Miller

Everyone has that one best friend from your hometown who never fails to put a smile on your face whenever you talk. Emma Miller has been by my side since middle school and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Although we don’t get to see one another as often as I wish we could, the bond between the two of us will never be broken. Distance has no impact on true friends, and you know what they say…. The most beautiful discovery true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. Get you an Emma Miller.

Corbin Blomberg

Corbin June is the definition of a beautiful soul. She acts selflessly in every situation she is put in and I can’t think of anyone more genuine than her. Her and her family both have a way with making everybody feel as if they’ve known them their entire lives, which is a trait that not many people possess. She treats everybody like they’re somebody and I’m so blessed to have a woman like her to look up to. Get you a Corbin Blomberg.

Derrick Duncan and Tyler Hall

These two boys own my heart and soul. They’re the ones you can call at any time of the day when a good, solid belly laugh is just what you need. Duncan’s grandpa-like ways intertwine perfectly with T. Hall’s child-like mindset. The greatest thing about these two is that they’re the kind of people that you can go out with, yet they’re also the ones you can have a chill night with. If you’re ever in need of a friend, a pick-me-up, or an all-around good time, Duncan and T. Hall are your safest bets. Also, nothing in this world will ever beat a wake-up call from Tyler David himself; I live for those. Get you a Derrick Duncan and a Tyler Hall.

Erica Johnson

If you were to look up the definition of powerful, you’d see a photograph of Erica Nicole. Everything from the way she handles life’s obstacles all the way to the way she serves as the president of Tri Sigma, Erica is a woman of power, strength, and grace. She has had my back since the day I met her and I can’t thank God enough for crossing our paths together. Get you an Erica Johnson.

Marley Brooks

Many call her Marley, but I call her Chuck Bass. Chuck is, without a doubt, my craziest, most free-spirited friend. There’s never a time where she isn’t down for a night out on the town and I cherish the time we get to spend together, even if it isn’t much. Chuck is so much more than just a pretty face and I’m so thankful that she realizes that. She’s kind-hearted, but isn’t afraid to whip out her claws when need be. Chuck is my ride-or-die and there's nothing I would change about her. Get you a Marley Brooks.

DA SQUAD

My day ones, ride-or-dies, and all around homies. The group of people who always have each other’s back in any situation, no matter how petty. The group of people who are available to talk 24/7. The group who always keeps the group chat poppin’ and never turns down an opportunity to get lit. Ah, yes, my squad. Malaycia Lee’s never ending spunk, Catrina Harris’ Beyoncé-like lifestyle, Shayla Cotman’s side jokes, and Latiyera Yearigin’s life in general all make up the perfect squad. I don’t know who I’d be without them and I’m forever thankful that they choose to hang out with a girl like me. Together, we make up one big family, even though we don't look the same. Get you a squad.

Sydney Lee McCall

My dear, darling daughter, Sydney, is the most enlightening human being I have ever met. Her carefree attitude and love for life are both admirable characteristics that she holds to the highest degree. A second with her is more entertaining than anything else you could ever be around. Squid is beautiful, enchanting, and overall lovely. Her soul deserves the world and I pray that she goes and gets it someday. She keeps me young, and if anyone ever messes with her, they mess with me. You know what they say…. Never mess with a momma bear’s cub. Get you a Sydney McCall.

Michael Stuart Chandler

Just the sound of his name brings a smile to my face. He’s selfless, heartwarming, and portrays nothing but kindness. He’s the person I text at two in the morning when the world seems to be crashing down and he’s one of the few who I’d be able to write a novel about (oh wait, I already did that). Mike Chan is someone who can read through bullshit and always knows when something is wrong. In addition, he has a special talent of knowing exactly what people need and when they need it; it’s magical, really. He's a rockstar. Get you a Michael Chandler.

Katie Kelly

You know that one friend who acts like a mother in every situation? That’s Katie Kelly, also known as KK. She has the biggest heart and is the definition of a child whisperer. KK has a way of making everybody feel like everything is going to be okay and she never turns away anyone in need. I know what you’re wondering, and the answer is no, she didn’t get hurt when she fell from Heaven. Get you a Katie Kelly.

Dukiya Tibbs

There aren’t enough hours in a day to take the time to fully express how much I love Dukiya Tibbs, nor are there enough adjectives in the dictionary to accurately describe him to the highest degree. He is so much more than, "the track guy who runs fast." He has helped shape me into the woman I am today through his viewpoints, perspectives, and input, and for that, I am indebted to him for a lifetime. Duke is the kind of guy you want to have around on your good and bad days. Dukiya is my best friend, my right hand, and my go-to; I wouldn’t trade him for anything, not even a lifetime supply of chicken nuggets. Get you a Duke Tibbs.

The people you surround yourself with are, often times, the people you will become. The people you associate yourself with say a lot about who you are as a person. For the most part, you will always have your family to turn to, that’s a given, but the circle of friends you keep close are just as vital. You may not have a choice when it comes to who your family members are, but you do have the power to decide who your friends are. Your friends are the family members that you get to handpick; Choose wisely.

Like I said before, find the people who are worth it and never, ever let them go.

All I have left to say is that I feel bad for the rest of the world because I've already snatched up the greatest friends. They are all worth it, and let me tell ya, they're in it for the long haul.