I like to joke that Jacob and I have been best friends since before we were even born. Our moms were absolute besties when they were pregnant for the two of us, and he’s been a major part of my life for as long as I can even remember. Jacob’s as close to me as a brother, and I honestly consider him as such. I am so incredibly lucky to have such a friend like Jacob.

When I was in elementary school, I was always jealous of Jacob. I wanted to be like him so badly. He seemed to be better everything we did - in gym class, in school work, and basically in anything that mattered to twelve-year-old me. The only thing I could lord over him was the fact that I was taller, which only lasted me until middle school when he hit his growth spurt. But that was about the same time when I finally gained my sense of self-confidence, and I accredit him for some of that now that I’m looking back on our friendship. Jacob was a goofball when we were younger (he still is, really) and I was always way more serious than necessary (I still am, probably). He evened me out, and I could see that even during my gross middle-school years. He showed me that I didn’t need to really worry about every little thing.

As close as we were as kids, we somehow managed to grow even closer during high school. Especially our senior year. Something clicked and the two of us were completely on the same page about everything. We worked together on projects and teams, but the two of us could cooperate with almost no actual conversation. It was so easy for each of us to understand and anticipate what the other wanted. I remember playing on our school’s volleyball team, the two of us worked as co-captains. Jacob knew the game so well, and he was incredibly good. I knew the game, but I spent a lot of my energy on the court encouraging and directing my teammates. Together, we did incredibly well - we managed the court like a machine, and really needed very little direction from our coach. During the summer, things weren’t too different when I got a job at the same pizza place as him. I was the new kid and he knew his way around the shop, and I would pray that my schedule aligned with his because my shifts seemed so much easier with him around.

Jacob and I were at summer camp, as we always attended. Summer was drawing to a close, and we lingered just a little longer by the annual camp bonfire. I realized in that moment that life was going to be very different for me after the summer: Jacob and I were parting ways for the first time in 18 years. I couldn’t handle it, and tears streamed down my face. I tried to be subtle about wiping the tears away, but I’m fairly certain he knew what was happening. Now, it may seem strange to you how emotional I was, especially considering how easy it is in this day-and-age to stay in touch with another person. I wasn’t sad that I was parting ways with him, I was scared. I was scared because he had been such a constant in my life, through literally everything. I didn’t know if I could handle a life without him by my side.

Flash forward to today, halfway through my second semester at college. I’m loving life at my college, and Jacob is loving life at his. The two of us message regularly, although it’s never anything too serious. When we get together over break, it is like the two of us pick up where we leave off. I really didn’t need to worry about losing him, and that’s because he’s always with me. Now that I’m independant of him, I’ve noticed how much he’s rubbed off on me. I’ve learned to show patience and humility. I’ve learned to take things in stride, to not let what others say and do get under my skin. I’ve learned to let my guard down a little and to just have fun.

Growing up with my best friend has changed my life. I’m so excited to see where life leads Jacob and me because I know that the two of us will never truly grow apart. I’m sure there will be many more adventures in store for the two of us. Miles may separate Jacob from me, but nothing could ever take away the place he holds in my heart.