Dear Friends,

I knew that I would miss you, but I didn’t know it would be this much. I had always wanted to leave our small town, and I can’t tell you how happy I am that I did. However, I’ve realized that a huge part of me is made up of my experiences and memories from there. It seems that you can take the girl out of the town, but you can’t take the town out of the girl. I miss knowing everyone in town, driving around and knowing where each street leads, and most importantly, my friends who stayed local. I don’t think I’ll ever move back to our small town, but I couldn’t be who I am today without the influence of all of you.

When someone comes into your life that understands you inside and out, and still accepts you, that’s special. So don’t think I don’t appreciate all the times that you had to listen to me vent and rant about stupid and not stupid problems alike. I know that I have a tendency to never shut up when I’m upset, and I’m grateful that you listened to me anyway. I wouldn’t have the confidence that I do now without the support you gave me.

I’m also grateful for the fun times. I think I would have gone crazy without nights spent watching Mission Impossible 1-4 (we still haven’t watched the fifth one yet) or playing video games for hours until I beat the level. Or, having you beat the levels for me whenever they were too hard. With everything on my plate, it was good to have those times where we relaxed. Until the final boss showed up, that is.

The truth is that it wasn’t a hard choice between going to a college close to home, and moving hours away to the university that I ended up choosing. I knew that if I stayed I would always regret it, always wonder “what if.” I was scared of who I would become if I never experienced anything outside of our town. And I don’t regret my decision. But, there is one aspect about moving that I don’t like. I wish that I could have brought you with me. I wish that you could experience what I’m experiencing. I wish that you could be having as much fun as I am, and being as happy as I am. I can’t visit as much as I’d like, and I know that it must seem like I don’t ever think about you, but that isn’t true.

Although I am making new memories with new people, I could never forget the memories that I made with you. I may not be going back to our hometown, but I wouldn’t be moving forward without what your friendship gave me. I can’t wait to see you over the summer.

See you soon!