Dear NY Famsquad,

I graduated high school with one goal. Leave Pennsylvania and never come back. Not because I didn’t love my family and friends, but because I knew I didn’t belong. New York felt like home the second I arrived. And I gained a family that has changed my life for the better.

To the two girls I shared my first year with. Thanks for being the best living companions a girl could ask for. Thank you for the laughs and the tears and the late night cookies. You both made my first year alone feel not so alone. Thanks for creating memories and NYC traditions. Thanks for helping me explore our new home. You will always hold a special place in my heart.

To the girl I spent my next two years with. Thanks for being there for the hardest two years of my life. Thanks for putting up with my terrible habits. Thanks for figuring out this whole living on your own thing with me. It was not without its troubles and mice, but overall it was pretty great. I’m sad to see you go. But you can climb the stairs to visit whenever you want.

To the 24 people that have been there through it all. I never thought I’d love anyone so much. You are everything I want to be in life. I will love and support all of you for the rest of my days. Thank you for loving me at my best and lifting me up at my worst. You are all wonderfully kind and beautiful artists and it’s an honor to be your friend.

To the ones who put up with the 24 of us absolute nut jobs. You all are saints. And the best teachers we could’ve asked for. I will respect you all forever. Thank you for imparting your knowledge in me. Thank you for shaping me into the artist I am. And thank you for teaching me some of the best life lessons a person could learn. I am proud to say I was one of your students.

To the one that looks out for me. You know who you are, and you know how much I love you. Thank you for making sure I’m always okay. Thank you for being there for me through everything and for caring about me no matter what. Thank you for calming my crying. I’m afraid of where I’d be right now if I had never met you. You are so important to me. I will always be here for you no matter what.

To the rest of my NY family. Thank you for being my family. Thank you for making this scary city feel like home. You make me feel like I belong, and that’s the best thing anyone can do for another. Thank you for making me feel loved. The weird girl finally feels normal.

To the ones I haven’t met yet. Be prepared. I’m a rollercoaster. But a loving rollercoaster. Whatever happens, I’m sure it’ll be great.

All my love,