Freshman - Friends Are Important

Malindi Robinson

There is nothing more valuable than a strong, intimate relationship with a friend. Friends are so important. The importance lies in the strength of a bond, not the number of bonds. For many of us, college is the first time we have had to start from scratch and forge new companionships. And a campus environment is home to so many different personalities and ideals on what relationships are, and how they should operate. They say most people meet their life long friends in college. From my experience, it’s 100 percent true. College will have many ups and downs, many stresses, heartbreaks, laughs, assignments, and maybe a fight here and there. Friendship is no different from a romantic relationship in the sense that it requires patience, understanding, love, and compatibility. Being disappointed with a person can be disheartening, but there is no such thing as a good or bad friend. People value different things and most of the people you meet will be associates, people you enjoy being around but maybe not confiding in. And there is nothing wrong with that! Freshmen year is one filled with learning – mostly about you. The stakes are higher here – self-preservation is a must. Friendships, relationships, all those things will come to you in there own time. Let things happen organically. When something ends, let it go. Don’t be afraid to spend time with just you. Pay attention to how you feel around a person, don’t ignore your gut feelings. Appreciate those that reach out to you, that make time for you, that hold you accountable, that check in on you, that pray for you, that help you study or move your bed – keep those that cherish you close! When you give genuine love – it will always be reciprocated.