Just recently, I had the sweetest Galentine’s date with my girlfriends — the friendships I made during my accountancy student era.

I met Nicole during our freshman orientation. Wency, who sat one seat away from me on the very first day of class. And Liza, the most unexpected of them all, because even though we were blockmates, we never really got the chance to talk and hang out — not until I dropped out. Funny how life works that way. Sometimes the most meaningful connections bloom at the most unexpected times.

Each of these friendships carries its own story, its own little universe of memories. And I’m so grateful that I got to spend an early Valentine’s date with them — the same girls who have been by my side through some of the most transformative years of my life.

As we sat around the table that night, it hit me: these girls have been there through everything. From navigating the chaos of college life, surviving late-night study outs, going on spontaneous trips, and pulling all-nighters in coffee shops, to answering my 11 p.m. breakdown calls (thank you, Liza) and proudly becoming members of my ex’s haters club. They’ve witnessed heartbreaks, small wins, big dreams, breakdowns, and all the in-between moments that shaped the last three years of my life.

It’s beautiful how we all came from different places, with different stories, yet somehow found one another. I think the universe really did plan it all out. It’s like our paths were meant to cross at exactly the right time.

We exchanged bouquets, enjoyed a delicious dinner, took IG-worthy pics, and sipped wine as we laughed about the past and dreamed about the future. In that moment, I felt nothing but love and gratitude.

I love these girls so much. If this is what love looks like, then I know I’m already living one of the most beautiful love stories of my life.

There are so many beautiful things in this world, but nothing compares to the beauty and warmth of female friendship.