Making friends in elementary school was easy. If you just breathed close enough to a random kid, you would eventually become friends, maybe even best friends if you gave them the bigger half of your cookie, too. These friends would eventually become more prominent in your life, and just as soon as you realize they make your life the best it can be, graduation happens and all your efforts of friendship have been soiled. What comes next? College. This whole process of making friends is a little bit trickier, because people care about things like your personality and abilities to socially function (it's rough).

I came into college terrified by the whole, "You can re-invent yourself and be whoever you want to be!" phrase. It made me think a lot about myself as a person. Who do I want to be? Who do I want to fit in with? Does this mean I'm lying? Can I no longer eat five pizza pies without being judged? I tried to be sort of cool. I controlled my explosive laughter, resisted the urge to walk around looking like I just rolled out of bed every day, and pretended I listened to the latest pop music when I actually listen to show tunes and Billy Joel. It was fine, but I did not feel as happy as I could be. To feel alone in a college full of complete strangers is an unsettling feeling, but then I was led to you, and I have never been happier. It wasn't until I met you that I was able to just feel comfortable and loved by just being myself, as dorky as that sounds.

The fact that we have only been together for a few months is a little hard to believe. Just this past September, we were all a group of strangers sitting in the same room. I looked at all of you the same way I look at a book I'm getting ready to read for the first time; intrigued, excited, and curious. Despite the cringe-worthy icebreakers, the chemistry within the group was evident from the start. Jokes were exchanged, laughter filled the room, and it was a comfortable environment. We went from having to think a little harder to remember everyone's name, to having these names pop up in every single story we tell.

The more I learn about you each day, the happier I am to have such an incredible group of friends running around in my life. We come from different states, high schools, cultures, backgrounds, and families. We carry with us our own individual story that separates us from the rest. The best part about being friends with all of you is that we can all come together and really appreciate these stories, despite the differences. You all have this sense of respect and unconditional love for others. In you, I have found open arms to run into when I need a hug, I have found a friend to sing off-key with me at the top of our lungs, I have found a friend to talk to about absolutely anything in the world without worrying about gossip, and I have found family. Thank you.

Thank you for letting this crazy stranger become a part of your life. Thank you for the crazy, unforgettable nights that made the best stories. Thank you for feeding me, even if it was your last Easy Mac. Thank you for allowing me to discover new things about myself and grow, even if it meant stumbling a little along the way. Thank you for laughing at my jokes, even if they sucked, and thank you for tolerating my laugh that could break windows or possibly harm a human. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for getting breakfast with me, even if you already ate, so I wouldn't be alone. Thank you for the most incredible freshman year I could have asked for.

When I was a freshman in high school, all of the seniors were buried in each other's arms, bawling their eyes out, because it was their last year together. I looked to my friend and she told me not to worry, because our class still had three more years together. I no longer like her because she lied about having a lot of time together. The time really flew by, and I know it will go by even faster now. I know that one day it will be us crying all over each other, so I promise to always cherish every single moment with you, I promise to try and make you happy no matter what, and I promise to always be a friend, wherever we are.

As of now, there are only a few weeks left before we all have to go back home. While I'll miss being together so often, I absolutely cannot wait to be reunited. Oh, and I'll always give you the bigger half of the cookie.