The thought of leaving my high school friends behind is scary. We have been through it all the last four years: the awkward phases, the petty drama, two proms, and some of the best times possible. As graduation is here, and we are about to go our separate ways, I think it's the perfect time to reflect upon and appreciate how each and every one of you helped get me through high school.
Transitioning into a private high school from public middle school was a difficult task in and of itself. Not to mention, not knowing a single person going into the first week made it even more difficult. Most of the girls in my grade had previously gone to private school together, and had rock solid friendships. I was the weirdo from public school who had no real friends to hang out with outside of school for practically the entire first semester of freshman year. It wasn't until Christmastime that I was invited to hang out with a group of the girls who were already friends. As soon as I began to hang out with them, I regretted judging them in my own head to be snobby and rude. These girls were anything but that, and since then have become my rocks, best friends, and inspirations.
Like all friendships, there have been ups and downs. Inter-friend group drama was inevitable, but we always seemed to get past it and come out with stronger bonds. Looking back it is nearly impossible to recall all of the good times we've had the last four years. Holiday dinners, Secret Santas, drives to the beach, and so much more: We have created memories I will never forget. At first I was skeptical to believe that high school could be "the best years of my life," but with the help of my friends, I was able to have an experience that made for the best years I've had thus far.
Without all of my friends, I wouldn't be the person I am today. You have helped me become more confident in myself because I know I will always have you guys to help pick me up when I fall. From sarcastic remarks, to late night talks full of advice, I know we all have each other's backs, and graduation won't change that. Our friendship is something special that I know will extended beyond these final days as high schoolers. So to each and every friend I've made: You all came into my life and helped me more than you know, and I couldn't have survived these past four years without you.
We did this together, these past four years. I have learned something from each and every friend I have made, and I will carry those things with me, always. High school has been quite a roller coaster, but I'm glad I was along for the ride since I had the best of friends right beside me.
