I have always heard that hard times will reveal who your true friends are. Lately, I have really come to notice that. Being in college, I have grown apart from some of my friends who I have back at home, but I have made a few close friends here that have really been a blessing in my life.

Although some of my friends at home have known me for a longer period of time, I am so thankful for the relationships I have been able to create out at school, and in this community of Christian girls that I know. Making friends was always a challenge for me in high school, along with asking for help when I was struggling. I never wanted to be a burden to anyone, so I was always afraid to ask for help.

That was — until I got to college.

When I got to college, I was able to see that there are actually genuine people in this world who want the best for me. I realized that the friends I was making in college, would last me a lifetime, unlike the friendships I made passing through high school. Granted some of my best friends are from high school, but I have also grown apart from my old friends as we have gotten older. It’s all a part of life. When I moved to college I met so many great girls not too long after I got situated at school. One of my first friends I made, besides my roommate Hannah, was my friend Olivia, we met in small group and became friends almost instantly. I am still convinced that it was God who formed our friendship because of the way in which we became friends.

Olivia and I are roommates now this year, and it’s been such a blessing to live with her. She is such an encouragement to me on a daily basis. She always is there to remind of the importance of reading my bible and praying every day.

As well as just being there to laugh and make memories with. Whether we are cooking dinner, trying to find something to watch on TV, or goofing off in her bedroom, we always find ourselves having a good time. Friends who you can laugh, and cry with are so important. Whenever I find my faith wavering I know I can lean on her for the help that I need.

My small group leader is also a super uplifting person to have in my life. I just met her in the fall semester but she is one of the sweetest people I know. She is so genuine and just truly so loving. She always reminds me that no matter what I am facing that God is in control, and that I am loved.

I struggle a lot sometimes with feeling loved and wanted by other people, so just getting a smile and a hug from her is so reassuring and makes me feel loved. This semester I have come to learn that sometimes it’s just better to have a small handful of people that you know for a fact that you can lean on. It’s not about quantity, but quality.