Hi pals,

I will be honest; high school was not the greatest experience for me. I spent my four years bouncing between friend groups. I loved hanging out with all of them and they were truly great people, yet each group I felt that I had to be a different person and act a different way. To put it simply, although I was surrounded by a diverse set of people, I still felt alone. When I got accepted to my dream college, I was excited about the opportunities that were in store. I counted down the days until I could leave my small town and the stress of high school to my new home.

Never in a million years did I expect to find you all. I never thought I would find a group of people so accepting (and goofy) as I am. It became the norm for me for so long to be this person that I wasn’t. Ever since I found you, my people, my squad, I have never felt more comfortable and confident with being myself.

I know that I have gained my title in our friend group as the “mushy” one. Every memory we make together, I must capture it on camera and tell you all how blessed I am to have you in my life. I go to bed smiling every night about all our conversations about conspiracy theories and The Bachelor. My heart is full knowing that I can talk to you guys about anything and everything. I know that you will tell me the truth when I am over analyzing things and give me great advice. You honestly have no idea how much you mean to me. I finally feel a sense of belonging. Ugh. I know this sounds so cheesy, but it could not be truer, so thank you. Each one of you has given me something that I had never had before and I feel more loved than ever.

Thank you.

Thank you for eating food with me (even at 2 am).

Thank you for watching movies with me.

Thank you for taking a billion pictures with me.

Thank you for being people that I can always talk to.

Thank you for dancing with me (even when I hit the whip one too many times).

Thank you for going on walks with me when we are stressed.

Thank you for letting me climb into your bed and snuggle when I’ve had a bad day (or just for fun).

Thank you for making me laugh so hard my stomach hurts.

Thank you for going on coffee dates with me.

Thank you for spending endless hours at the library with me.

Thank you for encouraging me and believing in me when I don’t believe in myself.

Thank you for being you.

Here’s to you, my college squad. My years here so far would not be the same without you. I know that this friendship is something that will last a lifetime. I love you all to the moon and back.

xoxo,

your mushy and cheesy friend