Recently, I had to make a decision about something that made me realize that friendship is far more important than some other trivial things. Nothing made me happier than being told that I was appreciated and loved as a friend for the decision I made. And then it really hit me. This friend is the one I would take a bullet for, because I knew she would do the same for me if need be. So what I’m here to say, in the most cliché way possible, is: some people are worth it. Some people are worth getting out of bed on a rainy day to go on an adventure with. Some people are worth holding their hand through the tough times. Some people are worth every ounce of your love, appreciation, and happiness you can give them.

I have had many friends over the years. From as early as elementary school, I learned that I couldn’t be friends with everyone, but I sure could try. After getting to high school, I realized that there were very few people that would always be there for me, no matter what. Even after high school, I found those friends that I thought were my friends forever drifting away. Now that I’m in college, I’m finding those people that have stuck around for my whole college experience. I’ve matured so much since freshman year, as have they, and our friendship has only matured with us.

My mom once told me that her friends from college were the friends she knew she could rely on, the friends that outdid the rest. She told me to find people like that for myself and never let go. She told me that she only had two or three, but quality was more important than quantity. I’m blessed and lucky enough to say that I’ve found them. You all know who you are. I love you guys.

I’ve gone through a lot over the past (ongoing) three years of being in college, and there have been very few people that have truly understood me, what I needed, who I really am, and stuck by me through everything. I’ve been injured, lost family members, lost myself, and much, much more. What amazes me to think about is that these few people have been by my side no matter what happened. So, thanks guys, for being everything I ever needed in a friend.

If I’ve learned anything from being in college, it’s that good, loyal friends are hard to come across. I’ve found mine, and I want to challenge all upcoming or current freshmen to look around and find yours. Then, never let go. They’ll love you even when your hair is messed up and you have a grain from an everything bagel in your teeth. They’ll tell you the hard truth, because they know what’s best for you. They’ll do these things in an expectation that you’ll do the same for them, so remember that reciprocation is huge. Olaf from Frozen was right, some people are truly worth melting for. Don’t let them go.