My college years have been filled with so many different opportunities, and through out these opportunities, I have made so many incredible friendships. I get really excited about people and talk about people a lot when I care about them deeply. I am a passionate person about a lot, especially my pals. But with this crazy phase of life and many opportunities, Ive built friendships that have had to go long distance. Between moving to college and spending a semester away making new friendships on my Disney College Program, I've learned a thing or two about keeping those bonds strong from a distance. And while it's not easy, its 100% worth it when you get to see them in person.
When I moved to college I had to leave behind all my childhood friendships because we were all moving on to bigger and better things. My best friend since I was 8, Marissa, was the first person to teach me how to keep a strong bond from a different state.
Communication is key to almost everything, especially relationships. But how do you make sure you talk to someone as much as you can? Easy: you dont. Life is BUSY, especially when youre in school and Marissa showed me that a strong friendship knows no time. We might go weeks without talking but as soon as we call each other or I'm home from school, we pick up right where we left off. Marissa has been a constant in my life for so long now, and being able to spend time with her is one of my favorite parts of coming home.
But how do you spend in-person time with someone who isn't from back home or you go to school with? When I worked for Disney it was an absolute dream come true. But nothing
could have prepared me for the friendships I was going to make. I worked with so many amazing people from around the country, and even the world that I still talk to today. But my
one BFF that sticks out above them all is Ashley. We worked together at Cosmic Rays and spent almost every day together from August until December. Our friendship was so new but it was so genuine and I instantly felt like I've known her my whole life. Saying goodbye after our DCP was one of the hardest goodbyes I ever had to say. We chat as often as we can but my favorite is when we get to spend time in person. Ashley always gives me the perfect excuse to travel and I love getting to show her my favorite places. I bought a plane ticket to Jersey in June and cried when I saw her in the airport. My favorite part of this trip was her getting to show me Smithville, NJ, a small town full of the cutest little shops that my own Grandpa rebuilt years before I was born. Talk about small worlds! I really value the trips we make and getting to spend valuable time together in person.
I have made so many relationships that have had to go long distance. And as much as I wish I could write about each and every one of them, I've learned something very valuable about each and every one of them. My tips include treating FaceTime calls like you're hanging out for the night. Block out a couple hours and just go to town with catching up. Planning trips to see each other, it's just as exciting to show off your hometown as it is to travel somewhere new. And lastly to never underestimate a night in of just talking.
The power of friendship can take you far places with some really great people.
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