Growing up, I was always curious about love. I wanted to find what love was whether it was through television or seeing others in love. I didn’t have a good figure of what love was growing up. I knew the love I watched in my household was not something I wanted.

When I was in high school, I was in and out of a terrible relationship that I thought was true love. It finally ended the summer before my senior year. Now as a senior in college, I know what love is.

When my high school relationship failed, I was devastated. It hurt so much emotionally but I am so glad it ended at the same time. I knew what I wanted and what I didn’t. I remember writing down what I wanted when it comes to relationships.

A couple days later, a text popped up that led to a date which has changed my life forever. Sometimes I believe it was luck that someone showed up after I wrote down what I wanted. Sometimes I think the universe saw it as a law of attraction. Either way, I am so thankful for what this universe has brought me.

Throughout these four years, I have had a best friend who has always been by my side. From watching me graduate high school to watching me finish, hopefully, my last year at university. It’s been a long journey. When I think of love, I think of adventures. From driving the mountains in Tennessee, to exploring Starved Rock, to seeing the world’s fastest pop machine. Overall, he has been the greatest adventure.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s always ups and downs to everything. Of course fights are going to happen with your best friend. Although by the end of the day, we both know what we want and know we will be okay in the end. I am grateful for everything.

I feel like I hit the jackpot in life. Being with someone who has the same interests as you- such as music, style, sports, and the future- it’s insane. This person has seen my worst and I have seen his.

We have seen each other burn out and break down. But the support system we have will always get us back up.

I know what love is now and I am so blessed by the universe. Here’s to four years, Z.

Karina Delgado is a senior secondary English education major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or kmdelgado@eiu.edu.