When first picking colleges, the thought of going to school with kids from my hometown made me cringe. I was afraid that my college experience would parallel my high school one, but just on a larger scale. I had this terrible feeling that I wouldn’t branch out and that I’d be stuck in my little social circle forever. Week three of my freshman year is now coming to a close, and let me tell you, I was wrong. Having friends from home has made these first few weeks even better than I had ever expected for reasons of which I had never thought.
First and foremost, you have a support system. A first week freshman meltdown is inevitable despite the countless amount of times you tell yourself that you don’t miss home. Having familiar faces around you almost makes you feel as if you never even left. They are there to talk to, and they are there if you just need a hug or a high-five. I cannot stress how important support is in college, and I am so very thankful for the friends who’ve picked me up and pushed me forward even when I think I’ve hit rock bottom.
Secondly, you meet a crazy amount of new people. Through the relationships you already have, you come to meet some amazing fresh faces. I know that the friendships I’ve formed in just a few short weeks are ones that will last throughout my college career.
Last on the list are the memories that you have previously made and the memories that have yet to come. I am extremely excited to go on countless adventures in the upcoming years, but sometimes, its just as fun reminiscing on past. Having others around you who you share experiences with does wonders. It allows you to stay connected to home and to your other friends that might be far away or at some other school.
As I continue on, hopefully “flying in four,” I hope to expand my friendships and to build on the relationships I already have. As cookie monster once said, “Friend is someone to share the last cookie with.” I’m sure my friends, old and new, will be testing this theory as we all stare at the last Insomnia cookie left in the box. As I make new friends and so will they, we know that we’ll always have each other.
