A letter to the people I work with. A letter to the people I work at Maryland Leadership Workshops with. A letter to the people I spend a week with, changing the lives of middle schoolers. An open letter to the people I know I can rely on no matter what.

I work at a camp for middle schoolers over the summer. It is an amazing experience, as I attended the same camp when I was in middle school. When I started working for this camp, I knew the whole staff would become friends, but I did not expect us to become as close as we are. We are all like a close-knit family.

There are not many people in my life that I feel like I could trust with anything. The people I work with are some of these people. I may only see some of these people a few times in the summer, but I know they would be there for me in a heartbeat. I know I could trust them with my life, and they would have my back no matter what. Although I have friends outside this camp that I see every day, I don't feel the same way toward all of them. The people I work at this camp with all share the same late nights, the same early mornings, the same middle school students, and the same frustrating struggles. We share them together.

The people I work with are different from the rest of the people I know. They are all special in their own way. They are the most accepting, open, and kind people I have ever met. I feel comfortable sharing just about anything with all of them, and know that I would not be alone.

Some of these people I have known for a very long time, and some only a few months. I can confidently say that these people have seen me at my worst, and haven't left my side since the day we met.

The appreciation I have for everyone in this group is inexplicable. The respect I have for each of them is amazing. I value all of these people so much, and always want the best for them.

Thank you, to my fellow staff members, for being the best co-staff members I could ask for. Thank you for being there for me since day one. Thank you for all that you do, not only to help the program but to support me and your own communities. Most importantly, thank you for changing lives with me. There is no one I would rather change lives with.