Tight-knit friendships often turn into family-like bonds. At California Baptist University, companionship pushed some friendships beyond the usual, creating spaces where friends supported one another through challenges and hardships.
The Harbor friend group built deep bonds by cooking big meals every Thursday, exploring thought-provoking discussion questions and engaging in spiritual talks that helped them grow closer.
Annabelle Bruzas, sophomore psychology and Christian studies double major, said her friend group uplifted her.
“My friends really encouraged me and my strengths and also helped me know my weaknesses,” Bruzas said.
That encouragement boosted Bruzas’ motivation and confidence. She said her friends helped her recognize areas for improvement, both within her friendships and in how she interacted with others.
Bruzas also described a moment that showed the depth of their commitment. Her friends got up early to help her reach the airport on time.
“They took me to the airport at 3 a.m. so I could catch my flight home last year and I genuinely don’t know if I ever felt more loved,” Bruzas said.
Bruzas said those selfless acts showed how love strengthened their friendships and created relationships that mirrored family ties. Students also formed inner circles that encouraged deeper connection, giving friends room to express themselves in more meaningful ways.
Jeremy Wong, sophomore health science and Christian studies double major, said his friend group helped him move beyond surface-level relationships.
“This whole entire friend group as a whole has taught me what it looks like to be open to everyone and to go a little bit deeper than surface level,” Wong said.
Wong said his group built family-like connection by communicating, listening and reconciling after disagreements and hardships.
“I’ve grown in this friendship just through the ways that I get to learn to listen to others and I get to place myself inside of their perspectives,” Wong said.
Jordan Serrato, sophomore architecture major, shared similar feelings about the impact of close friendships.
“It’s been great to learn with each other and develop with each other and be honest, be kind,” Serrato said, “stand up for each other and humble and always acting in love.”
Serrato said his friend group created a space where people uplifted one another to grow and thrive.
“I feel like primarily, it all forms one big family because we’re united under God,” Serrato said.
Tight-knit friendships brought people together and formed strong bonds. These fellowships motivated friends to communicate and love one another through hardship, creating ties that reflected family.
