I’m very much a homebody. I cling to what’s ordinary and avoid situations that make me uncomfortable. While this isn’t the best when it comes to expanding one’s horizons, it’s something I can admit is a struggle.

Knowing this about myself, you’d think I would’ve done a better job at keeping in touch with my childhood friends: the kind of friends who are representative of home, miles of green plains and even warmer sunshine. The kinds of people who lead a person to who they are — flaws and all. 

I can picture it now: laughing in art appreciation class with Ashley as I simultaneously catch glimpses at Julian. The fond moments of goofing around with Kayla and Roxy as we exchange our most precious dreams and secrets or sharing Wite-Out with a gal named Lourdes who moved to town in the eighth grade. If you would have told me I’d not only attend the same college, but rooming with her two years ago I would have reacted sardonically. But, lo and behold, we share a dorm.

All of these moments — both mentioned and unmentioned — have formulated me into, well, me. I wouldn’t be the impetuous, empathetic and overdramatic woman I am today without their help. 

I think there’s something nostalgic about catching up with a high school friend. It’s reminiscing about the past to the retelling of current events that make the time worthwhile. Even if there has been a gap in a friendship timeline, I encourage you to send a text message to an old friend. Ignore the what-ifs and dive headfirst into the rekindling of nostalgia. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you haven’t been up to date on your friends and their goings-on either. College is hard, and keeping in touch with loved ones is seemingly even more difficult. However, when it comes to remaining in contact, there are many ways to do so. Writing letters is one that I hope to continue doing as the spring semester continues. Additionally, FaceTime calls are another thing that makes the conversation more personable. Even a quick, “Hey, how are you?” prior to your online lecture is all it truly takes.

Today, I’m still sharing Wite-Out with Lourdes. I’m venting to Roxy and Ashley within our iMessage group chat. I call my art class crush every night and gather updates from Kayla throughout the month. 

As I’ve already said, college is difficult, and that burnt-out feeling residing in the pit of your stomach is not abnormal. Sometimes all you need is a refresher. A minimum five-minute conversation with someone who knows you more than anyone else might do just the trick. The Beatles said it best: I get by with a little help from my friends — and you can, too.