kiandradezulma india moore yaanca larame

to bond, and introducing each other to their friends and friends of friends allowed them all to meet more people they really connected with.

Now Kindara, Yaanca, and India can comfortably say they have found their people. It took time, and several trials and errors but it was worth it because now they have found spaces built on shared identities where they have found friends that feel more like family.

“I feel less of a need to adapt who I am to fit into the people I want to be friends with,” Yaanca said.

Building these family-like connections where she could feel supported and understood was important for Kiandra.

“Coming from a small family, I feel like I’ve been able to expand my family through the friendships I’ve built.” Kiandra said.

Now as Seniors, Yaanca, India, and Kiandra have felt how much of an impact their friendships with one another and other friends have made on their lives. They now realize how essential community is to getting through difficult times, and how much joy and relief comes from spending time with people you love.

“It’s 100% a community effort, and I learned that when I was going through some harder stuff. Knowing I had people around me to support me was so valuable” India said,

Similarly, Yaanca expressed the necessity of gathering as an escape from life’s most challenging moments. It is just as important and impactful as any other form of self care. In our younger years, it was easy to take for granted the importance of friendships, but in college you really start to feel just how much you need a solid support system.

“Gathering is essential to our mental state…it’s a celebration, our moment to release and catch up with each other.” Yaanca said.

Coming together is not the question, but the answer to countless questions and confusions, “I always feel better after spending time with you guys” India smiled.