friends
An Open Letter To My College Friends
Before I went off to college, my dad constantly reminded me that during college I would meet my lifelong friends. To be honest, I never really took that statement much into consideration until it actually happened.
Dear College Friends,
I can’t believe I went almost 20 years without knowing you. Now that you’re a part of my life, I can’t imagine my life without you. I hope you know that I am beyond blessed to have each of you in my life. I know I can sometimes forget to say thank you for the small things, so here I go.
Thank you for not judging me when I get emotional and call you crying or on the verge of crying.
For starters, I usually don’t open up to just anyone, so you should feel privileged that I feel comfortable enough with you to share my feelings. I am actually surprised that I have allowed myself to become vulnerable with others, but I think that’s what has made our friendship stronger.
Thank you for the countless random adventures we have.
Late night trips to Walmart, countless Torchy’s Taco dates, random movie nights, pool nights, the list goes on and on.
Thank you for accepting me for who I am.
I can be pretty sassy and sarcastic at times. Some people refer to me as the “Queen of Eye Rolling” and even have the eyeball emojis next to my name in their phone. Instead of trying to change that about me, you allow me to be myself, and I am so grateful for that.
Thank you for not judging me, my music taste, or lack thereof.
I basically listen to Taylor Swift 99.9 percent of the time. You could have easily classified me as “the crazy Taylor Swift fan.” Who knows, maybe you did, but regardless, you support my love for T-Swift.
Thank you for brightening up my day when I need it and reminding me that things will get better.
A simple text from you after a bad day can easily make my day better. You always seem to be there when I need you the most, whether it’s a text, a phone call or hanging out. I know each of you has a busy life and schedule, but you always make time for me, no matter what you’re doing.
With all of that being said, I could go on for days of the small things I forget to thank you for. I just hope you know that I love you dearly and cherish your friendship more than you know.
The Retreat That Changed My Life
Three times a year, Texas State students who attend Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish put on a retreat, Bobcat Awakening (BA for short), for other students. I was lucky enough to attend BA #43 in the spring of 2015.
I went into the weekend not knowing much about what to expect. I have a couple of friends who attended previous BAs, but I never really talked to them about what actually happened while they were on it.
It had been a while since I had been on a retreat, so I was a little nervous about going. After almost backing out last minute, I decided that attending BA #43 would be in my best interest, considering I had already turned down the opportunity to attend a previous BA and let me tell you, I am so thankful that I decided to go.
There are many things that make BA unique, but there are three things in particular that stand out to me the most.
1. The People
For starters, through the retreat I met a lot of amazing people, many of whom have become some of my best friends. Not only that, but I am now involved in the BA community, and now have the opportunity to staff future BA retreats to give back. All of the staff members I encountered on my BA were so welcoming and you could tell they really cared about the retreat goers.
2. The Activities
I don’t want to give too much away in case you decide you want to attend BA, but the various activities planned throughout the weekend were great. Each one was set up in a way that allowed you to get to know the other retreat goers, as well as learn things about yourself. I walked away from that weekend with a better sense of who I am and the direction I want to go with my life.
3. The Faith
Although the retreat is put on by students from the Catholic Student Center, the retreat is not just for Catholic students – it is open to any student. When I attended BA, I wasn’t super strong in my faith. While on the retreat, I developed a passion to learn more and pursue my faith. Since the retreat is run by college students for college students, it was really helpful to see the staffers, who dedicated their time to plan and prepare for the retreat, act as mentors, and encourage the retreat goers along the way.
Looking back at where I was in my faith before the retreat, and where I am now, I am beyond thankful that I had the opportunity to attend. I learned so much about myself and what it means to be Catholic, and for that I am forever grateful.
Five Things I Learned My Junior Year
Going into my junior year of college, I didn’t expect it to be as life changing as it was. This spring semester I learned a lot more than just what my professors were teaching me in class. During those months, I learned a lot about myself and the direction I want to go in life. Before I start, I want to thank the people I have met during college who have challenged me along the way and helped me develop into the person I am today.
1. It doesn’t matter how long you have been friends with someone to consider them your “best friend.”
You could know someone for 10 years, but when things get tough and you need a shoulder to cry on, they might not be there for you. It’s all about who’s there for you and who isn’t. The friendships you make in college might be some of the strongest friendships you have – I know mine are.
2. Don’t worry about what others think of your plans in life.
Recently a lot of people have been asking me about my plans for after graduation and if I have any interviews lined up. It can be stressful when people are constantly waiting for your next move in life. At the end of the day, do what you want to do because that is what will make you truly happy.
3. Don’t waste time on the things that don’t make you happy.
I can’t stress this enough. This applies to any situation in life. Life is short so we shouldn’t spend it doing something just because everyone else is doing it, or because you’re afraid of what others might think of you.
4. Working hard really does pay off.
One class I took this semester challenged me more than any class I have ever taken. I never missed, studied at least a week in advance and participated in any extra credit opportunities that were given. This was one of the only classes I’ve actually done all of the assigned reading for (sorry Mom). In the end, I managed to make the grade I needed on the final. I realized that all of my hard work throughout the semester really paid off.
5. Goodbyes aren’t forever.
I have had multiple close friends graduate, either this past December or this May. They are all going off into different directions in life. Some are getting full-time jobs, some are going to graduate school and others are becoming missionaries – which I think is awesome! Regardless of where they go in life, I know the “goodbyes” we shared won’t be forever.