"Friends are the family you choose."

I hadn't ever thought about family and friends until I saw it written this way, and then realized the truth in it. It wasn't like it wasn't something I never thought about, but maybe not on such a conscious level. 

I love my family in the most unconditional way a person can. I would never ask for or want to replace them. They are my family, and no one else gets to say that. But, like this quote implies without actually saying it, we don't get to choose our family.

I went to college because I wanted to earn my degree, but I also wanted to get out of my town and meet new people. (And I was looking forward to the freedom and parties!)

But most importantly, I wanted to meet my best friend(s), the ones that I would have those memories of college to share with and look back on for the rest of my life. I didn't care about falling in love or dating, I just wanted to make the kind of friendships that I never had in high school. 

Five years later, I am about to graduate from college and I can honestly say that I have never felt more love in my life than I do now. I met some of the best people I will ever meet during my five years in college, and these people are my four best friends. These girls are the family that I chose. 

My five years of college (yes, five), were the greatest years of my life. I met all kinds of people, from everywhere, not just Rhode Island. I fell in love (unintentionally, but sometimes you can't help it). And then I went through a break up (completely intentional).

And eventually, I discovered something that I actually looked forward to studying and learning. 

But my favorite memories will always be the ones I spent with my four best friends. 

Sometimes life can throw you curve balls, like really big ones that hit you out of nowhere, turn your life upside down. Something like this happened to me this semester, a curve ball that was big enough to knock me off of my feet and dissemble me. If it weren't for my friends, I would still be laying on the ground waiting for someone to help pick me up and piece me back together. 

I am so grateful I met these girls and even more so for the support they have continued to give me over the years. 

If I could teach anyone about life through this blog, I hope it is the real importance of true friendships. There is nothing like that feeling of home when you are with the family that you chose.

xo E