Dear Best Friend,

High school is the time in our lives when we as individuals begin to branch out and decide who we are and what we want to become. We begin to figure out what college we want to attend, what our intended major will be (trust me it has changed a lot), but most importantly, we are start to understand who we are as individuals. But high school can easily become the most confusing and difficult four years of adolescent life without a close friend to help guide you through this new terrain. I was lucky enough to have multiple people help me throughout those four short years, but one person never left my corner for the past four years. I learned so much about myself from her these past four years and am thankful for her impact on my life. Here are just a few of the lessons she has taught me:

1. Showing weakness doesn't mean you're weak.

Most people who know me would agree that I have a habit of acting tough in social situations to show peers that nothing affects me. Unfortunately, my upbringing taught me to not show any feelings in public, but all that lead to was more grief hiding inside in my soul. My best friend taught me that apologizing and showing compassion can go a long way to make people more open to you. She taught me that showing your weaknesses doesn't mean you're a weak person, it means you're a real person! Her and I used to reference the TV show NCIS who's main character is a man who refuses to show emotion. She constantly told me that living a life without sharing emotions will only cause you and others more hurt than it will joy.

2. Never talk yourself up.

Let's admit it, every single person is guilty of doing this at least one time or another. We are a society that prides itself on being the best and doing amazing things, but sometimes people can take this to an extreme which damages close relationships. My best friend was kind enough at time to call me out on this, and though I was not necessarily appreciative at the time, I realize that what she was doing was for my own good. She could have one of those people who could have watched me put my foot in my mouth and embarrass myself later on down the road, but she was kind enough to stop me while I was ahead and teach me that people will accept me for who I truly am and not who I wanted to be.

3. Always stay true to who you are.

This was something I had always struggled at before I met you. I changed who I was more than I changed my clothes. I was never able to believe what I was good enough or worth sharing with the world. You taught me that the friendships that will last a lifetime, are the ones that accept you for who you are not who you are trying to be. Though at times I still do not feel comfortable in my own skin, you have helped limit those days of insecurity tremendously.

4. Showing you care can go a long way.

For me this is the hardest one to practice daily, but you are an expert at this. I can freely admit that if it wasn't for you on a cold March day our sophomore year, I would not be here today. The biggest problem some people face is not admitting they are struggling with something, but finding someone who would accept you and your issues and not plaster your insecurities all over the school. I had never thought you would do that to me. You were there, in my corner, for the entirety of my struggles. You never once just passed me off to the next person in line, or acted like you cared. You truly cared about helping me. Though I can be a major pain and get on your nerves at times, you never left my corner. You taught me that actually caring can go so much further than a gift. It's because of this quality you have that I am still here today.

5. Always love yourself.

This is the most pertinent lesson you have ever taught me. All my insecurities and problems stemmed around the fact that I could never love myself. You and I both were very competitve during speech season, sometimes we got screwed (like sectionals -.-), but we always learned that it does not matter what a judge had to say about our performance. The only thing that matters at the end of a tournament is how you felt about your performance. Loving what you bring to the table can go so much further that what any other person could say about you. You have taught me that this virtue goes further than just speech season. Since taking your advice I have began to move out from the rock I have lived under for the past three years. You have taught me that not everyone is going to like you and if they want you to change for them, they are not worth it! I may still value others opinions more than what I should, but compared to when we first met, this is a complete 180.

So just a few days ago you and our group of friends ventured to Milwaukee to see Tim McGraw and it was the greatest night I have had in a very long time. You may say that I saved myself, but no matter how many times you say that I know that if it wasn't for you I would not be here writing this today. I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done. You are my best friend and that will never change. So even though you are leaving in just over a month, our friendship will never change I hope. Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely your friend,

Wesley S. Sanderson