Sisters,

It has been a little over four months since we have graduated. A little over four months since we collected that small piece of paper with cursive print proving that we did it. A little over four months since we promised each other to spread our gifts and talents wherever our lives took us. We hugged and cried and said goodbye and made promises that this was forever.

I felt something special on that day in late May. I did not completely understand what I felt until I sat and watched the montage of our senior year. It was the feeling of hope. Hope that we all would spread our wings and fly, but at the same time, hope that we would stay. Stay together. Stay bonded within the sisterhood, no matter where we ended up in September. I subconsciously knew that come September I wouldn’t have this anymore. I knew that I would soon be in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. However, my stubbornness refused to believe that change was coming, so I just pushed it away.

Now here I am, writing to you all from my dorm room, a place that has now become familiar, with people that have now become familiar. I have survived a month of college without Mr. B (shocking, I know). But I can’t seem to figure out how I have done it without each of you by my side. Maybe it’s still stubborn me telling myself, “I’ll be back to high school soon.” But then again, maybe not. I don’t necessarily want to be back there. Selfishly, what I want is all of you here.

I don’t think words will ever do justice in expressing how much each of you means to me. I have learned that over the course of our lives, people will come and go. I like to think of my life as a journey where I meet people along the way. Although high school was just a stop in my journey, I know God put each of you into my life for a reason. Each of you has taught me something different. I believe that because I know all of you, I am who I am.

You saw me at my worst, and picked me up to be my best. You held my head above water. You all danced with me in the rain. You stood with me. You believed. I will carry each of you in my heart through whatever this chapter of my life throws at me. I will carry, the laughs, the memories, the love, and the sense of safety and comfort I felt each time we were together.

The world we have entered into sometimes feels overwhelming and filled with darkness; however, each of you reminds me of the light that is always shining. You remind me that even if I have to do a little extra looking, the light is and will always be there. You have given me that power to always look for the light. You are my strength.

Always remember that power you have within you, that power to change, that power to make—just like you made me. Your hearts are so strong, and will take you anywhere. You are all capable of incredible things. Unstoppable. Believe in that.

If you ever find yourself doubting yourself, allow me to be your mirror- you are unique, beautiful, smart, and you can. I cannot wait to cheer you on.

You are my stars. MMA, forever.

Katie