How Friendships Shape Who You Are Today.
One of my very best friends is celebrating a special birthday soon. Not living close enough to celebrate with her, it's causing me to think a lot about the value of friendships, and how important it is to thank your friends for simply being. It’s made me think about how the friendships people inhabit affect how they grow. How the personalities and values of the people you meet change you for the better, and worse. It leads me to wonder, are people born with their ethics, values, and personalities, or do they develop through life experiences?
I often think about who I would be if I was born in a different area. Would I still have the same values, and beliefs? Something I will never forget is when my mom told me “Everybody you meet in your life, is there for one of two reasons. In order to teach you how you want to carry yourself, and treat people in a positive, or negative way.” This conversation I had years ago with my mom, (one she might not even remember) is something I frequently look back on, and take into consideration when analyzing somebody's actions.
My new roommate Mairin shows me ways to better myself socially. She is such a social, and outgoing person who has taught me new ways to consider friendship. She is quick to introduce herself, and capable of holding casual friendships in a way that I am still learning. I admire this about her, and hope to use this in my college life, to get to know a wide variety of people while also practicing my boundary
ies within friendships.
Dakota, Katelyn, and Maia, my best friend's from home. This group of girls has grown with me as I became who I am now. They have seen me through so many phases of my life (some cringey), stood by me without fail through every up and down, and offered advice in every difficult moment. In a way they introduced me to who I am today, I wouldn't be who I am today without the countless hours I spent growing up with these girls. Never could I thank them enough for the things they have taught me about friendship. I carry a piece of each of them with me wherever I go.
Scout, more of a soul sister than a friend. My entire life I wished for an older sister. Somebody to give me advice, share clothes with, and somebody I could just do nothing with. When I met Scout through field hockey, we didn't have much in common, but we just clicked. Scout is somebody who shows me how to be welcoming to all, and how to embrace people for who they are. I know Scout and I will continue to teach eachother things as we grow up. Something I am forever grateful for.
Everybody I have met has helped me learn more about myself and the person I hope to be. I believe who you are changes as you grow and meet new people, and experience new things. It's important to expand your experiences so that you can continue to discover new things about yourself, and flourish.
On a side note, and the entire reason I started this rant; Happiest of (early) birthdays to my lovely Katelyn. You mean so much to me, thank you for everything. <3
