When you grow up it's normal to see your best friends every day because you go to school together, and then the weekend comes and you get to hang out and do stupid things all weekend. Then reality hits and you're off to college. Most of the time, you and your best friends won't end up at the same college.

My friend Brittany attends the University of Cincinnati and I'm here at Cleveland State, so obviously we are farther away than we're used to. When she left for college fall of 2017 I was sad because one of my best friends was going to be so far away from me. I wouldn't get to see her every day.

Our friendship was always there and I remember the first time we spoke. I was the new kid at school and we had band together. I played the saxophone, and when I sat down and looked over, Brittany also played the saxophone. We also literally had on the same shirt, but hers was black and mine was pink. From then on we called each other "twin" because we owned the exact same clothes and sometimes we even came to school with the same thing on, not planning it ahead of time.

After the 5 years of friendship from the 8th grade to our senior year of high school, we always knew that even away at college we'd still be just as close and we were. We made it a point to Facetime each other at least once a week to check up on each other and see how school was going and if we made any new friends, and somehow, we did.

It's nice having a best friend that's at a different school because when times are hard you can always pick up the phone and vent and they will always answer. Not only that but, when you get sick of your own school you can road trip to their school for the weekend.

The best thing is when you're both home for break and can spend time together. There is no better feeling than walking into Britt's house during winter break and seeing her after going months without her. The best part is that nothing ever changes. It's always the same. Also, seeing your close friend's family after you went months without seeing them is very rewarding because it's like both their kids are home from college. You get to give them the biggest hug too.

You both carry different lives because now you're growing up and trying to struggle your way through being a broke college kid — finishing your mountains of homework for the week and balancing a social life with your new best friends. That can be hard because your friendship with them isn't the same as it is with your main squeeze from your hometown, but you end up making it work anyways.

One of the most fun parts about your bestie being at a different school is that when you go visit them or they come and visit you, you get to meet all their new friends and they can meet yours and become friends with them too.

You get to see their new way of life and how successful they're becoming. They get to be there with you while you do the same. Although it's hard not having them here with you, they are proud of you and will always be there every step of the way. Plus, you can carry on your traditions for the rest of your life and make new memories with them — even though they're hundreds of miles away.

Brittany, I know I don't get to see you every day anymore and watch you trip over your own feet because you're a clutz, but having you has been a blessing and watching you succeed has been one of the best journeys.