Today I turn 20 years old. Contrary to other kids entering the "adult world" (ha), I don't really see this age as a milestone. I could preach on and on about the wonderful lessons I've learned and the amazing people I've met the past year, but I'm not going to because I would only be spoon-feeding you lies. The one thing I realize now, 365 days from this time last year, is that you truly know who your people are deep down in your heart. Not every human you interact with in college is your friend for life. Nope. That's not how it works. I wish it was.

I have met some absolutely beautiful, kind, and loving souls thus far in college. You guys know who you are, and I love you to the depths of my heart. I have also been slapped in the face several times. It happens, and I do not deal with pity parties so I will not sit here and throw one for myself.

However...when I become friends with a person, I ponder, "Would this individual love me and the friendship I have to give the way my person has?" My best friend has been my best friend since we were about eight years old. I love that gal with my whole heart. She is funny, kind, giving, a terrible dancer, awesome at cooking rice, a professional at burning cookies, and strangely enough, a bit like my second mother. I know we will be friends for a lifetime.

This past year of life and distance from my person (ugh, college) has shown me just how much I need to cherish her.

Every year of my life since 4th grade, my best friend has sent me some long, senseless congratulations text as soon as the midnight of my birthday strikes. It's a silly competition we both have to beat one another's other friends at wishing the other happy birthday. Year after year, she has arrived at my house the day of my birthday with some ridiculous assemblage of balloons and a massive card plastered with ugly pictures of myself along with a gift (likely size 6X men's underwear from Big Lots). It's what we do for one another.

My best friend is in Ireland right now doing wonderful things for my man Jesus. I miss her and there's a strange void in my heart at the moment, but I realize more at this moment than ever how much I love her and cherish the friendship she gives me. I feel ridiculous because she is only gone for a month and we spend months apart during school, but still. We are inseparable, insanely annoying, and the best of friends.

Make it a point to meet awesome people in college. It's the whole point of the college experience. Also understand that you should never leave behind your person. At the end of the day, they will be the one who is there to consume 5 bags of Doritos and an entire cake whenever you wish.

Side note: this photo is terrifying but completely appropriate.