After having completed my first year of college, I've realized just how much my roots mean to me. Being away from my home, my family, and the life I've always known to be "normal" proved just how important these things were to making me who I am today. As I reminisce in the memories of my life, all I can think of are the childhood friends that played an intricate role in creating these moments. They brought joy, laughter, and unconditional love into my life. They shared their lives and unique personalities with me, each of them possessing qualities that I strived to attain. They changed me for the better, helping the shy child I once was break out of her shell.

From the earliest years of my life, the highlights of my childhood included my very first best friends. We went to school together, played on the same sports teams, and had play dates every week. Years of birthday parties and epic vacations were spent with you. I cherish the night swims, ice cream truck chases and sleepless sleepovers. And every time I hear a song that reminds me of us dancing on the trampoline like weirdos, I can't help but smile.

Even though we did not realize it at the time, we created a history together. Today, I am so honored that we are able to look back over fifteen years of memories and say that we have been by each other's sides for the majority of our lives. So, yes, every time we would complain about the millions of pictures that our moms took over the years, we were the ones in the wrong. These photos from every school concert, soccer game, and weekend at the Cape captured the best memories of our lives. So to our paparazzi moms, thank you for insisting time and time again that we smile for the camera and for providing us with tangible forms of the greatest times.

Today, I am reminded that you, my childhood best friends, were the first people outside my family to accept me as I am. You never judged me or got angry with me: you were just my friends. Life was much simpler back then, but even in the toughest times I've encountered in recent years I can indulge in the happiest memories, which were spent with you. Now, many of our lives have taken separate paths. We've moved houses, found other groups of friends, and gone off to different colleges. While we don't see each other on the regular basis we used to, I still think of you every single day. You've all permanently engraved your bright spirits in my heart forever. You are the first true loves of my life and I will never forget the amazing memories we've shared. So, thank you for being the best and giving me the best childhood I could ever wish for.