"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend"- Proverbs 27:17

If you were ever a fan of "Aesop's Fables" as a child, then you may remember the story of "The Donkey and His Purchaser."

So the story goes like this: a farmer wanted to purchase a new donkey. He asked to take the donkey home and try him out. After turning the new animal out into the field with his other donkeys, he witnessed the new addition befriend the laziest of his herd. He took the donkey right back to his owner and when he was questioned said that he knew what kind of animal he would be just from the companion he chose.

The moral of this story? You are the company you keep. No matter the kind of person you are, you will be judged by others on the friends you choose.

I know I heard that saying many times over the years from coaches, teachers and parents. As I prepared to embark on my college journey nearly three years ago, I remembered those words. I would be stepping into a new environment where people didn't know me. They didn't watch me grow from the time I was four years old. These professors, administrators and other staff, as well as students, would be making opinions of me from the moment I stepped on campus. They wouldn't know the kind of person I was.

Something unique to my situation was the small fact that I attend an all women's college. We all know that girls can be a little dramatic sometimes at best, myself included. I was stepping onto a campus where I knew no one and where it truly mattered who I chose to keep close to me.

I would like to think that in that formative year I chose my friends wisely. Over the years, people have come and gone, but the few people who I consider forever friends have remained the same. These people have truly sharpened me. They have forced me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow into the confident young woman that I am today. The people that remain close to me are the people who I am proud to call friends, who I have no doubt are the kind of company that anyone would be happy to keep. They have prepared me for this next chapter in life's great story book.

The best example I can think of is one of my very best friends. Very outgoing and social, she is almost my complete opposite in terms of personality. No matter the circumstances she is always available to listen to me cry, rant or get overly excited about something. Though we have only really gotten to know each other and become best friends over the past year, she has come through every time.

As I prepare for my final year of college I count myself blessed by the people God has put in my life. The people who help keep me focused on God's plan for me.

So to the girls and guys out there, remember that you are the company you keep. Remember that true friends will stick it out through life's toughest battles. They will hold you accountable and keep you focused even when you may not like it. Choose wisely and cherish those special people.