Hey Hivers, It's me again, Jera back again with another blog! I'm excited to share to you how I unexpectedly found my best friends.

Funny how friendship can blossom in the most unexpected ways. My college experience started off a bit different from what I had imagined and envisioned. Thanks to the pandemic, most of my classes were held online, spending countless hours staring at my laptop, missing out a usual college life. But through that virtual haze, I found a gem of friends who turned my experience around.

I remember the first time I met @annventure, @abbysphere, @writewithjo, and @stellwriting. We had been working together on a group project for one of our classes. We had exchanged messages in our group chat, shared ideas, plan our project and even managed to find some common denominator in our sleep-deprived, caffeine-fueled conversations. Still, we had never met face-to-face. Wondering if we can vibe together once we meet.

The day of our first meeting arrived. We decided to meet at the park in our area. To be honest, I feel nervous. Would we hit it off in person like we did online? Would I be awkward?

While walking into the park, my heart raced. The sound of people chatting and laughter filled is the only thing I can hear. I scanned the area and spotted @annventure sitting in a bench. I approached her and she greeted me with a bright smile along with Maris, Abbeguel and Jo.

“Hey! You must be Jera!” she exclaimed, waving me over. I felt an instance sense of relief wash over me. Their warm welcome made me feel like I was meeting an old friend, not just someone I had only known through the screens.

Their hospitality and the way they welcomed me, brings peace and joy in my heart. They embraced me as if they know me and been part of their circle for a long time. This genuine interaction and warmth which made us form a strong bond, changing what could have been an awkward situation into a cherished memory. While working on our group project, the connection that we had was undeniable. Laughter flowed freely while sharing ideas. During that moment, despite the chaos of challenging college transitions, we became more than just group mates, we became best friends.

As the days turned into weeks, our friendship grow deeper. They became my source of support during the isolated, often overwhelming experience of remote learning. Together, we faced the challenges of college life. Their kindness and inclusivity transformed what could have been a stressful experience into one filled with joy and collaboration.

As months passed, they became my partners in late-night study sessions. We shared countless laughter, cries and unforgettable moments together. They became my thesis buddies from first year until now that we are in our fourth year. My constant source of encouragement which made my college life bearable.

As I look back on my experiences, I’m beyond grateful for that group project that brought us together. Cathlyn, Maris, Abby and Jo showed me that friendship is one of the most valuable things we can find in life. College wouldn’t have been the same without them.