Hey girly,

Quickly before I get to the real stuff, I miss you so much. Also, I miss your closet. But I miss you more, I promise!

Remember that miserable day in August when we had to part ways to begin the most exciting yet terrifying journey of our lives with tears streaming down our faces, insisting nothing would change and we’d stay best friends forever? I just want you to know that after experiencing one semester halfway across the country from you, we were right.

In high school, you were my rock. You were there for me through every high and every low for four whole years. It isn’t a coincidence that when I reflect upon my high school experience, you are standing next to me in every memorable moment. As absolutely cheesy as this sounds, I would not trade a second we spent together laughing our heads off, watching trashy reality TV, driving around, eating at our favorite restaurants, hanging out with our families, or making teachers really regret they sat us next to each other for anything. It’s crazy how much you impacted my time in high school, but even more unbelievable how much your friendship has influenced my college experience.

I have you to thank for every friendship I’ve developed at school thus far. You are the one that taught me what to look for in a friend. To find people who can make me laugh until I cry, embrace all my craziness, and give great advice. People who I can sit in comfortable silence with or with whom I can have everlasting conversations. Your friendship inspired me to make friends with people who make me feel like family. You taught me to befriend fun, life loving, unique, and passionate people like you. I can’t help but smile when I think about my college friends because I know you’d love every one of them. I owe you so much and I am grateful for you every day.

I just want you to know that the friends you are making in college are the luckiest people in the world. Little do they know they are meeting the friend of a lifetime.

It’s funny that it took one thousand miles to ensure to me that you aren’t just my high school best friend -- you’re my whole life best friend. Here’s to you. Thanks for being my person.