Never forget that when a bond is created, it's one of the strongest things that life can bring you. Draw your strength from and more importantly never let it go.

For a long time I lost the meaning of what a best friend was, what a brother was, and even more, what a friend was. It never really dawned on my head that having a type of bond that way would ever exist. I though it would be four years of college and that's it, time to move on, but after meeting this person who not only became my friend, but also my best friend and brother made me change that perspective. This guy is Jeffrey Santizo and he is my best friend, and also my little brother.

I met this cool person the beginning of my sophomore year, and at first I didn't like him because of the glare that he gave me. I said in my mind, "take a picture it'll last longer." He sat right behind me in our environmental systems class and never in a million years did I think that we would ever be friends, but sometimes life is a funny thing. To think that we both applied to be an RA and make it to the second round was even a funnier thing and a lot funnier when I offered him a burger during the process.

I can continue and describing all of the things that happened right after, but now I'm gonna write a personal letter to my best friend and whoever reads it I hope that someway you can relate and pass this on to someone who needs it.

A letter to my best friend:

Compadrito, what a crazy year it has been. Who thought it would all lead to this moment and not only that, who would have guessed that we made it this far as well? I just wanted to write this for you not because I wanted to, but because I hope that when you read this one day it helps you when you're in a tough spot. For a long time I've always looked up to you and even though I never really showed it I always tried to push myself in order to be at your level when it came to academics or even life in general. You've showed me things that I never knew I could ever do and that was something that I could never repay you for. You showed me that even at our darkest times and our lowest points in life we can still find the light at the end of the tunnel. You've given not only me strength, but many others as well, just as your girlfriend, my girlfriend, your brothers and the rest of our friends.

When I think about how it would be to have a little brother, you immediately pop into my head and I follow your example when it comes to how to be an older brother. I know a good chunk of your life and I just want to say: please don't give up, little brother. I know things are not only moving quicker, but they're getting harder and this is when we need to be even stronger. Whenever you begin to doubt yourself, always remind yourself how far you've come and remember the people that will always be by your side. You now have someone special in your life to always motivate you and stay by your side no matter what. Always remember as well that you give all of us strength to keep fighting on, I know that sometimes I draw my strength from you because even when you don't see it, you always say something to bring us all up, even if it's just one word or a simple smile. Never let anyone or anything bring you down or try to defeat you. Who you are and what's in your heart as well with God on your side, you will defeat all and any darkness that comes in your way. Whenever you feel overwhelmed and weak I will have a shield to protect you, because that's what brothers do for one another. I am proud of the man you're becoming and even more proud and glad I have someone I can look up to and ask for help when I need it. You have a heart that's made to love and help and with both of those things, you can and will do so much for yourself and others around you. I know you've already impacted and have done so much for me. Believe it or not, you're one of the reasons why I'm still alive now and I didn't think I would make it to 21 or even be writing this to you. You are my best friend and little brother never let anything break you or anyone. I will always have your back day and night and I know everyone else will as will. Love you best friend, never forget that little bro.

I'll always have your back. Till the very end little brother.