When everyone leaves for college it’s common for friends to fear they’re going to drift apart or be replaced. You will meet a bunch of amazing people in college, but no one could ever replace the people you grew up with. I will always have a special place in my heart for the people who made my childhood so special.

It’s crazy to think about how long you have really known some of these people for. A good amount of them you have been best friends with since elementary school. That’s a good chunk of time.

The people from your childhood have experienced everything with you—From ruling the school as a 5th grader to being nervous for the first day of high school. So many memories are created that only the ones who experienced it could understand. It’s just not the same when you try to explain to someone else why it was normal for you to pretend that you were a secret popstar like Hannah Montana. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone could ever live that down, including myself.

More than likely, your friends from home know you better than you know yourself. It’s always funny when a friend picks up on a phrase that you always say. This is a clear sign that you’re spending too much time together. How about when you have misplaced your keys then call your friend in a panic and they tell you exactly where to look? Most of the time, they’re exactly where they said they would be. Now that is something special.

Not to mention coming home from school is always a fun reunion. Words can’t begin to describe the feeling of walking into a room after months of being apart and being attacked with hugs. There is never a dull moment with these people because everyone has some kind of story to share. It’s always cool to see how you all have changed but at the same time have stayed the same.

It’s no question that you can always count on your hometown friends to make you smile. My favorite memories are nights where we decided to have spontaneous bonfires to just enjoy each others' company. These nights are so carefree and fun. If you’re lucky, you have a friend who is amazing at playing the guitar and gets some sing-a-longs started. It’s easy to say that these nights have created some memories and videos that I will forever cherish.

I think these specific people are so special not only because they’re important to you, but they’re also important to your family. It’s become a normal thing for your family to constantly ask about your friends and how they’re doing because they’re genuinely interested. Becoming close to people from your hometown gives you a surplus of families to be a part of. It’s awesome being able to walk into a friend’s house without having to knock and being welcomed with open arms. There’s no better feeling.

At the end of the day, you know these people will have your back no matter what. Yes, you have had our ups and downs, but you will always love each other.

I have so much respect and an endless amount of love for them and the memories they’ve given me; no matter how many times they pick on me. Oddly enough, I have started to appreciate it. You have to keep things interesting, right?

Every individual in your friend group is so unique and adds a special part that no one could recreate. I am thankful for each and every one of them.

To my friends from my hometown, this is for you. I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for giving me some of the best years of my life and I can’t wait for many more to come.