As I am sitting here on my couch, enjoying my Thanksgiving break, I can not stop thinking about how fast time flies. It is crazy to think that in a few short weeks one of my closest friends at Penn State will be graduating and that I still have another semester to go. You were one of the first people that I met here and I could not be more grateful to have someone like you in my life. I am so unbelievably proud of my fellow Pisces and cannot wait to see all your about to accomplish!
Joyce,
I seriously got SO lucky when we had not one but two classes together our first semester at State. English 15 and CAS 100 with you will always be some of my best memories. I remember the time we first talked like it was yesterday. You were running late to class and sat in front of me. You seemed to be having a rough day, so I reached out to you. You told me that you were stressed with schoolwork and sorority recruitment and had not gotten much sleep recently. What you told me next though was even more surprising... that you never miss a Thirsty Thursday haha!
We exchanged Snapchats and later that night you sent me a selfie, all dressed up and ready to go! That quiet girl in my class had a secret wild side, and I was definitely here for it. After that, we just hit it off! We began talking even more and more and just had so much in common. We began going to office hours together and spilling way too much tea to our professors. "#FriendsWithFrank" was formed and we were bonded for life. Our conversations were so easy and effortless, and you never failed to put a smile on my face. I could talk to you about anything and know that you would always be there to support me. I could always count on you to be my hype man, whether it was before a speech in Frank's class or outside of the classroom. I could also count on you to keep things real with me and tell me when my boy problems were simply crazy.
Those classes we had together were just the beginning of our friendship. With each year, we got closer and closer and planned to take the New York City advertising world by storm one day! We would keep each other motivated and in check, forcing each other to attend whatever event the college of communications was hosting. We also knew all the same people, so whenever we had a problem, we knew exactly who the other person was talking about. It was so nice to have someone in my life who understood and accepted me, weird quirks and all....someone that I could truly be myself around no matter what.
Distance has nothing on our friendship. No matter how busy we may get or how long it may be since we last hung out, we just pick up right where we left off. There is never any awkwardness or anything and that's what makes our relationship so great! We will always be there for each other at the end of the day. I know that you will always have my back and I can reach out to you about anything I am going through.
So, as sad as it may be to think about that the person I have known since day one is leaving Penn State, I know that you're going on to bigger and better things! You are honestly one of the most driven and motivated individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. You are incredibly smart and genuine and truly there for anyone who needs a friend without asking for anything in return. I cannot help but laugh when I am around you and hope that will never change! You are everything that I could have hoped to find in a best friend when entering college, so thanks for being you.
Penn State is simply the beginning of all the amazing things you are about to accomplish. Before long, you will be running New York City, and I'll have the pleasure of saying that's my best friend. I cannot wait to visit you in the city and experience the rest of my life with you! Better touch up that fake speech you wrote for Frank congratulating me on my wedding haha!
Much love "Juicy Joyce,"
Ethan
