There’s something special about college friends. The ones who watched as you learned to care for yourself, complete with laundry mishaps and burnt ramen. Who witnessed the failed relationships, sitting by your side with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s while they reminded you of all the reasons you were too good for him anyway. The ones who shared the late-night walk home and early morning classes in day-old makeup and sweats.
A friendship formed through inside jokes, frat parties, last-minute study sessions, and greasy breakfast at 2 a.m. Who went along with your crazy ideas, creating stories retold at every opportunity.
They were there when you graduated, heading out into the world where your first career waited. They were there when you met the one. They were bridesmaids, and travel partners, and babysitters, and therapists.
These are the friends who know you better than your parents. They know your dreams. They know your secret disappointments. They have cheered you on and cheered you up.
They saw you through the challenges of motherhood, divorce, the death of parents, and medical challenges. The ones whose kids call you auntie even though you’re not related. Sisters by choice, not blood.
And while you may only get together at too random intervals, when you do, it’s like you’re back in that old, rundown college apartment, laughing over cheap pizza and cheaper beer.
Because while years continue to pile up between the girl you were and the woman you’ve become, with college friends, time remains unmoving, friends forever, young and hopeful.
by Charissa Bates 
by Krystal Sieben 
by Maria Garito 
