How did I know you would end up getting an article dedicated to you? Well, to start things off, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for calling you young but to be fair, you are younger than I am. Not by much, but it can make a difference in the long run. You were also my surprise best friend because I didn't expect to get a best friend out of working in such a crappy place. I didn't expect to run into a person who answers my 1 a.m. texts, eats half my food on break, and who I can vent about anything and everything to. Now those are only some of the reasons why I am thankful for you. A big reason is because you make working so much more fun than it really is. I can always rely on you to make a funny comment or catch you with a blue tongue because you ate an airhead or five. You are truly my best friend and I thank you so much for putting up with all the moods that I throw at you.

I know you're a very sentimental person because I remember you sharing an article on Facebook about senior year. I can't believe you're already off to college next year! I really wish the jokes we make about packing me in your suitcase were true but I have my own dreams to fulfill and I know you do too. I want you to promise me that you will stay away from boys who only look at you for your body and not for your amazing sense of humor or your way of listening that makes me feel cared about. I know everyone makes mistakes; trust me I've made enough for the both of us, but I want you to stay true to yourself. If that means joining a sorority or trying out for the lacrosse team, then do it. College will change you in ways you never even knew, but don't let it change who you are.

Now, onto the life lessons! If you do end up going to parties, drink responsibly please and thank you. Don't ever leave your drink alone and don't ever leave the person you're with alone either. It will mean a lot to them in the long run, trust me. Call your parents every now and then, their baby girl is a few states away and they just want to make sure that you're ok. It is more than OK to ask for help in any circumstance. If you don't know how to do laundry on the first week, ask. You are not the first freshman to ask that, I promise you that. Try to make friends with your roommate because at the end of the day, you can have someone to vent to and watch sappy movies with and eat candy. Lastly, text me as often or as little as you want. I want you to enjoy college and not miss me too much.

You are so full of potential and have so much going for you. I need you to know that college does get hard but you can do it. I know you can because if I can do it, so can you. You are going big places one day and I am so proud to call you my best friend.

Love you forever xox

Lucy