College can suck sometimes. Wait…okay…let me rephrase that. College can suck most of the time. From balancing classes, homework, sports, Greek life, clubs, and a social life, things can get pretty hectic. There’s barely time to stop and appreciate your college pals. That’s why I’m writing this letter. Because I appreciate my hometown heroes. In fact, some people don’t even have hometown friends anymore! They’ve lost touch with their high school knuckleheads, and I’m beyond grateful that that didn’t happen to me.

So, home-friends, I just want you to know that you are so, so, so important to me and I’m blessed to have you guys in my life. Here’s why:

1. You know secrets about me that my college friends will NEVER know.

There are just some things that need to be exclusive to my middle school chums.

2. We get to spend the Holidays together.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, the 4^th of July, Memorial Day…we’re all home! (But we text each other on Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Labor Day for good measure).

3. Summer.

We’ve never spent a summer apart, and going to the beach every day is just our social norm.

4. You knew me in middle school…and are still friends with me today.

Middle school was easily the worst time of my LIFE. I was so awkward, but you got through my awkward phase with me.

5. You were there for me through all my “firsts.”

First kiss, first drink, first heartbreak, and first boyband obsession (the Jonas Brothers, duh).

6. When we finally hang out it feels SO GOOD.

After months of not seeing each other, that first cuddle session or Applebee’s date means more to me than any stupid, dumb college party.

7. We are friends for life.

Studies show that if you’re friends with someone longer than 7 years, you’ve got a friend for life. So sucks…it looks like you guys are stuck with me.

So all in all, you guys means so much to me and I’m so thankful for you. I’ll never take your friendships for granted, and just know that I’m always thinking about you, even though I’m away at school.