Credit Where Credit is Due

Credit Where Credit is Due

I've been blessed with a few friends at my school, and by few I mean a lot. 

But there are very few who actually ease my mind at the end of a long day. So for them, I just want to say thank you.

(These are in no particular order, by the way.)

 This is Skylar (left) and Cassie (right). They're like 2 red-headed twins who aren't related at all. I'm pretty sure they're both going to punch me in the mouth for posting these pictures, but whatever. Skylar is the sassiest person I've ever met, aside from myself. And Cassie is by far one of the most talented artists I know.  (Ask to see her mandala drawings, seriously.) I love being around them because at all times they're both either a) eating b) having wildly inappropriate conversations or c) being genuine 100% of the time. Obviously, all of these things are something I like to be a part of. 

This is Marie aka my Momma Bear. I don't think I could ever part with her. She's by far the sweetest person on this earth. Even on my worst of days, she greets me with a "Hiya hunny!" and scoops me up in a big hug. I'm pretty sure I could commit a horrible crime and she'd still treat me the same way- that's just who she is. She always pushes me to learn new things and reminds me that at the end of the day as long as I can sleep without a heavy heart, I've done right.

This is Kristina. I call her Crust-ina a lot because I tease her. I don't think I've ever met someone who works harder than her, honestly. And I'll be straight with you, she's rough around the edges and she's not for the faint of heart. But she speaks honestly and frankly, and you never have to guess with her. If you're being bratty, she will tell you you're being bratty. She keeps me in check when I get too big for my breeches and keeps me honest. If she moves away, I'm going to follow her. She knows I'm her creeper.

Stephanie (right). My resident arm twister, mentor, and friend. I can't tell you the amount of times she's said the words, "This is what you're doing". Stephanie is the less than silent force that drives me to do things out of my comfort zone and to strive for better than "enough". I'm not sure how many times she's talked me off the edge, I'm sure a lot. She gets my sass, which I appreciate since most people don't. And the more pregnant she gets, the more sassy she herself becomes. I think her belly is just growing sass. I have yet to see the ultra-sound picture that proves otherwise. If we aren't officially friends after I graduate, I'm just going to bug her (which I kind of already do, but whatever). 

Of course we know Kaylene, my red headed sister. Kaylene is from my original core class, and has been with me pretty much since day one. I don't think she knows I treat her like my sister. I've been straight up bratty to her, I will admit this- but I think it's because I've never had a sister and didn't know how to treat the honour. She's seen me at my best and worse and STILL wants to be around me- which says a lot about her character and persistence. I've been blessed to see her grow and mature into a really amazing person who always has my back. She once said to me, "I don't ever want to lose contact with you after we graduate". I don't think she knows that's my fear too. I love her to death.

Crystal, Crystal, Crystal. I think the funniest thing about our friendship is that we probably should have been friends way earlier. We come from the same town, and had the same circle of friends. We probably met once and just never thought twice about it. Crystal is by far the easiest friend I've ever made. This girl is a straight out bro who does anything she can for a bro. She is so strong and I appreciate everything about her. We text each other religiously and there's nothing that's off the table. She is my sister in every sense of the word. I love her so much.

And of course, Jae. My little Jae-bird.

I don't think I've ever met a stronger person who has the capacity for so much love and empathy. He genuinely cares about every word you say, and loves almost every person put in his path. I love everything about him. I don't think I would have made it through school without his support and affection. He keeps me sane and strong when my anxiety problems are at an all time high, and I do the same for him. There's a bond between us I can't explain but he's a big part of my life, whether he knows it or not. What he does know is that I'd walk on fire for him, and if I could pick anyone to be on my team, it's him. 

Plus, I mean, he's probably the most fabulous person I know.

-SamanthaK