According to Urban Dictionary, high school is a failed experiment in preparing young people for the adult world (and I couldn't agree more).

High school is more like a popularity contest where the only things that matter are who we hang out with, what parties we may or may not get invited to, and sending risky text messages to your crush hoping they will respond... and planning your escape route at school on Monday in case they don’t.

I had attended the same school as my high school sweetheart since the fourth grade, but our paths had never crossed until I got my first job late sophomore year. He had worked there before I started and as time went on, our friendship started to blossom.

It began as just a ‘work thing,’ and it eventually led to a painfully awkward first date that ultimately ended with my first speeding ticket.

My weekdays were spent blushing at him in the hallways between classes; my weeknights were spent either working together or texting him nonstop; my weekends were spent partying with my best friend and the boy who would eventually change my life in ways I could not yet imagine.

Junior and senior year of high school consisted of a whirlwind of new emotions and experiences: falling in love, applying and preparing for college, working and trying to graduate early.

For most, high school is an exciting but confusing time. We’re trying to enjoy every last minute of our high school years, all while trying to make real-world adult decisions that will affect the rest of our lives.

I had no idea who I was in high school or who I wanted to be going forward. I was living day by day and consuming myself with getting good grades and trying to fit in.

To my high school sweetheart; you helped me find myself when I had no idea who I was, and I can never thank you enough for that.

At a point in my life where my emotions were fragile and everything irrelevant seemed so vital, you were there for me. You were living through the same experiences and the same awkward phase of life that we still cringe about today.

In such a time of vulnerability and insecurity, you assured me of my worth.

Through 2.5 years of high school, 4 years of college and a whole lot of shit later; you have always been there.

In the loss of family members, you held my hand.

In the adjustment period of beginning college, you were the laughter in between my stress.

In the most hectic and crucial semester of my college career, you assured me that I could do it.

Listening to me read my papers out loud to make sure they sounded right, being my second pair of eyes on every design I’ve ever done, and attending every small award ceremony and event I’ve ever been a part of, making me feel like I was winning an Academy Award (which I assure you, was never the case).

It’s true what ‘they’ say, “I wouldn’t be me, without you.”

In the seven years, you have been in my life, you have inspired me to discover and embrace my true passions, find my voice, believe in myself and most importantly, you have been nothing but a true friend through it all.

I sincerely thank you, and I truly love you with all that I have within me.