For my whole life I had this idea of going to college by myself. Finally, free from being called the wrong name and generally being known as just “the twin”. Little did I know it would come upon us so quickly, and I found myself having a hard time saying goodbye. Of course, I played it off like nothing was wrong, but secretly I was hiding back the tears behind my sunglasses, even though for months on end I claimed everything would be just fine.

I did not know what to do. My “person” was about to start a whole new chapter in her life without me and my biggest fear was being replaced. Now, just about two months into college, I am so thankful to say that the relationship I have gained with my identical twin sister for my whole life, will never change. This deep friendship of love (and sometimes hatred) can never be broken, even with the 364 miles between us.

Our constant facetimes make a smile appear on my face from ear to ear, and talking to her each and every day makes me understand how valuable having a twin truly is. I never fully understood how lucky I was before I went to college. She’s my go-to girl. The one I can talk to about anything and everything. Whether it is boy drama, friend drama, or the inevitable stress of college classes, I now know she is just one phone call away. Unlike anyone I meet in college, she will be a permanent friend, and luckily I know I can trust her not to judge me even when I say something she doesn’t appreciate.

The relationship we had before college was amazing but being separated has only made it so much better. Each time we see each other after a long period of time gives me butterflies as if my little nugget has changed. But she still seems to come back being the exact same person she was before she left (maybe even a little wiser) and I am incredibly thankful for that.

Each goodbye we are forced to say is never easy, but it gives me the incentive to work harder until I am lucky to see her again. She will always have a special place in my heart for the rest of my life, and she is a true best friend that I will never be able to spend longer than twelve hours not talking to. Amanda, I love you forever and I cannot wait to see how our different college experiences shape us into the most amazing versions of ourselves. Thanks for being the peanut butter to my jelly, the Brooke to my Payton, and the Meredith to my Christina because without you I don’t know how I could survive. I love you more than words can describe and I would not change you, your weird habits, or your personality for anything in the world. Love you to pieces, best friend.

Xoxo,

Your Other Half