Aryan Singh
3rd Year

Sitting down to compose this blog post, I’m engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. My college experience has been akin to navigating a roller coaster, marked by profound growth, formidable challenges, and unforgettable memories.

How lucky it is to have something that makes it so hard to say goodbye.

Transitioning from university marks a significant milestone in our lives. For years, our existence has been shaped by lectures, exams, and extracurricular activities. Now, we find ourselves on the precipice of the unfamiliar, poised for a fresh journey into the world. While the prospect of change may seem daunting, it serves as a beacon for personal growth and exploring self.

My first year, marred by online classes, left me yearning for genuine connections. When I finally met some classmates in person, my grandmother’s warnings fueled unnecessary fears, illustrating the power of our minds to conjure irrational scenarios.

The first time I met a few of my classmates was in my hometown, and before going to meet them, I was warned that I should not go, as in the newspaper an accident was reported where a guy pushed his friend from the rooftop. I mean, the delusions and scenarios we create in our minds!

From that moment till now, and all the people I met and made beautiful connections with, I felt that this was all I needed in my life! Four years filled with a library of experiences, friendships, and endless fun. They supported me in all my decisions, helped me out, and were there for me in all my ups and downs. As we came to college for the first time, a group formed.

My friends became my anchor, supporting me through every triumph and tribulation. We formed unbreakable bonds, sharing in joyous celebrations and late-night study sessions.

What started as a tight-knit group eventually splintered as dynamics shifted. Despite my loyalty and unwavering support, I was sidelined, watching my closest companions drift away. In fact, until now, I have never fought even with a single soul in this college. Everyone started to fight amongst each other and left with their closest friend but forgot about me. I, slowly watch my favorite people get bored of me while my life is falling apart. Was I that lost or unimportant to them? I, as delusional as I am, started creating fake scenarios in my mind and always questioning my existence. My days were filled with panic attacks, anxiety and depression. Well, you can say that it was just kicking you in the stomach and spitting on your neck fantastic.

The moment you realize that you can only meet people where they are and not where you want them to be is when you learn to find peace when letting go. And in embracing this truth, I found peace in releasing those who could no longer walk beside me.

I have had a very troubled past mixed with multiple problems, and it was only that I got through those problems because of my current friends, those who amidst the turmoil gave me the unwavering support of true friends—my “lobsters,” as Phoebe Buffay would say.

The most important lesson I have ever learned during my college life is that you should cry alone but never share your pain so that you can’t get hurt if the other person is the first one to leave. Karma says, that when somebody isn’t right for you, God will continue to use them to hurt you until you are strong enough to let them go. I learned to let go of the past, and that helped me meet the new friends who I have right now in my life, who deserve me. They healed something they didn’t even break.

Some people help you heal just by being a part of your life. As soon as you realize who they are, your life becomes sorted. Mine certainly did.

As I reflect on my college journey, I’ve come to cherish the realization that true friendship isn’t about quantity but quality.

People always say that the inseparable friends now are not even seen with each other. But my single friendship now is the purest form for me. In a world where people often prioritize their circles, this friend consistently makes me feel like their priority. I turned to a friend for comfort and instead, I found everything that I had been looking for my whole life.

It’s a poignant reminder that it’s crucial to recognize when a space no longer respects or cares for you. Leaving such environments is an act of self-love and empowerment. Pov- you have stopped making extra efforts for them and have prioritized yourself.

So as I look back on my college experience, I realize that it wasn’t the grand events or extravagant parties that defined it. Rather, it was the people who stood by me through it all, and the experiences that taught me the invaluable lesson that sometimes, one’s own company is more than enough.

Cheers to all the people who said, “He’s A Little Broken, And He Needs Me. I Guess I Need Him Too.”