Every day, whether we realize it or not, we learn something new.

Whether it is something new we learn about ourselves, realize about our life or our world, or something we learn from those around us, we are constantly learning. We often learn from our parents, instilling in ourselves what they have taught us our whole lives. We also learn new things from close friends with whom we spend much time.

I will admit, as I think most of us can, that I do tend to grasp ideas and opinions from others. However, we should not simply hold on to and center ourselves to what we take from others. We have the right to take these thoughts and ideas and formulate them to be our own, individual standings.

Aside from my parents and teachers, those who have taught me the most have been my close friends. These friends have been a major influence in my life, setting examples and embodying many desirable traits.

Shining the light of a role model on my close friends has allowed me to learn many valuable traits and lessons from them. More recently, I have learned an immense amount from my friends that I have made here at Purdue. With each one of these new friends, comes a new lesson. Here are ?? things that I have learned from my college friends at Purdue.

1. Going Out Of Your Comfort Zone Is A Good Thing

If I had not branched out of my comfort zone, I would have never met these amazing new friends I have. But in fact, they were the ones who branched out to me first. At the beginning of the semester, my roommate and I were already pretty good friends.

However, we really wanted to make some awesome new friends together.

During orientation, we were in a line to go to a meeting while talking about the co-rec here at Purdue. It just so happened that a girl and her roommate heard our conversation and chimed in.

We soon figured out that they were on our floor, and right down the hall. Later that day, they slid a piece of paper under our door with their numbers saying they would love to hang out sometime.

One of them is now one of my best friends.

One of my other best friends also introduced herself by reaching outside of her comfort zone. As I was decorating my room on move-in day, she simply popped her head in my door and said my room was super cute. Thanks to these girls, I know that reaching out to others can pay off in big ways and create wonderful things.

2. Drink More Water

One of my close friends here at Purdue has taught me this super important lesson: drink more water! As minor as we may think this is, drinking enough water is essential to our health! Before coming to college, I mainly only drank water when I was working out or when I was thirsty.

When I came to Purdue, I noticed my friend ALWAYS had her water bottle on her. She carried around a filled water bottle everywhere she went. Naturally, I thought to myself, I should try that too.

And that's exactly what I did.

I found myself filling up my bottle 5-6 times a day. Although I could still probably do this more often, I feel so much more energized during the day and am very conscious about staying hydrated.

3. Healthy Eating

The same friend who got me to drink more water also keeps me accountable for eating healthy. Before college, I would say I was very aware of what I was eating and had pretty healthy eating habits. But of course, I still had some cheat meals and indulgences.

Contrary to the "freshman 15" stigma, I have noticed I have been eating much cleaner at college. I know, weird right? But this friend and I both enjoy healthy eating, and we keep each other accountable for what we are consuming. But don't get me wrong, we still enjoy treats and yummy food every now and then!

4. Sleep

While most college students find themselves in a constant cycle of losing sleep and catching up, I actually have a pretty decent sleep pattern. I have most definitely picked up on this from my roommate and new friends.

While there are still some late nights studying, we typically go to bed at a decent time. By my friends going to bed somewhat early, I really have learned the importance of sleep. I wake up feeling more energized and ready for my day. As opposed to staying up to the morning hours while straining my brain.

5. Hard Work

One of the most important things my college friends have taught me a hard work ethic. I do believe that prior to college, I had a good work ethic.

However, my friends here have taken it to a whole new level.

Two of my friends have jobs here on campus, one of them even has two jobs! They are able to maintain these jobs, working many hours during the week, and keep up their grades. While I do not have a job, their example pushes me to work even harder on my schoolwork.

We also hold each other accountable, helping each other study, revising papers, etc. Their example has also taught me the importance of time management, which has also greatly improved since coming to college.

6. A Godly Friendship

Something that I highly value and hold close to my heart is my relationship with Christ. I think it is an amazing thing when my relationships and friendships can be centered around Christ. While I had many amazing friendships in high school that were Christ-centered, I was nervous about finding such relationships in college.

However, thanks to the friends I have made here, that was not an issue at all. In fact, we have helped each other grow in our relationships with God. One of my friends helped to bring a Christian organization to campus, which we have become very involved in.

Through this organization, we have been able to meet other Christ-like women with whom we have become friends. Another one of my friends has also shown me what it is like to maintain a relationship with God and live a Christian life within Greek life. I am so grateful for these girls and how we have helped each other grow with Christ and in our faith.

7. Enjoy Life

My friends love to have fun. We are silly, goofy, and love to make each other laugh. Sometimes I can take myself a little too seriously.

I get stressed out easily. But despite these things, my friends are always there to remind me that it's ok to relax and have fun. They are always there for a good laugh, a dance party, or a movie night. They have taught me that sometimes the best way to keep yourself sane in college, is to let loose and take a break.