I have gone to school with the same group of kids, and now young adults, since Kindergarten. We have witnessed each other tumbling off the monkey bars and going through the awkward 5th grade pubescent stage and in the end we received our diplomas together and wished each other well. I remember saying over and over again, "I can't wait to leave, I am so ready for the next chapter of my life." At the time, I dawned on the negative moments: not winning a state title, losing a best friend, or a teacher making a rude comment, and I forgot to recognize all of the brilliant moments that high school had granted me and most importantly to be grateful that high school had given me my very best friends. It may be tempting to leave all of high school in the past, including the people, but I encourage you to continue to hold onto the friendships you made in high school, for a few simple reasons.

1. They know you best.

The people you have spent years having slumber parties with, chatting with in class, and doing group projects with know every one of your idiosyncrasies and have mastered your personality to a T. They can tell from a text message that you're feeling down and know exactly how to cheer you up, they know that you get grumpy after 10 PM and probably just need some alone time, and they have learned to accept your obsession with ice cream. I hope college brings you friends who are willing to get to know you as deeply, but it may take some time to get to that point, so be patient with others and with yourself and for the time being your hometown besties are only a call away.

2. They listen.

Your best friends from high school are eager to hear what you have been up to, what classes you will be taking in the fall, and what your new friends are like. They are willing to listen to all of the boring stuff too: the tediousness of filing the FAFSA and all the job applications you have been filling out. Your best friends will remember when you have an exam and send you a quirky good luck snapchat or emoji-filled text. The best thing is, even when you are having a bad day, good news from your friends has the power to turn your day into a positive one. Even from hundreds or even thousands of miles away, they are there for you, to support you and cheer you on.

3. They will help you remember all of the good.

Like I said, high school can be easy to shove into the past and forget about. In reality, high school is full of memories and lessons that you should continue to remember for the rest of your life, and your high school friends were the ones who were there for it all. One night spent with your buds is sure to be blossoming with memories, the good, like that one time you all squeezed into a tent to camp outside. And your friends will be there to help you laugh through all the bad ones too. It's always fun to reminisce and turn a kind face to all that has changed about you and in your life.

Nothing beats the reunions with your high school besties: a high-quality-reunion-group-hug complete with shrieking "I love you guys!" Laying on the carpets where you grew up together, giggling and eating ice cream from the carton. Your bff's are ready and waiting to hear it all. Even as your life begins to move so rapidly forward and new people enter your life, remember to continue to cultivate your past relationships too, they still have so much to offer.

To all of my best friends who have stuck by my side, thank you.

E.A. L.S. A.A. N.L. R.S.