Since going to college, I've heard a lot of horror stories about high school experiences. For some reason that for a long time I couldn't understand, I had almost solely good memories from my four years at high school. I'm by no means saying high school was perfect for me; it was far from it. But it was good.

That was because of my friends. My friends who appreciated my sense of humor. My friends who would sit around fires with me all summer. My friends who would sing with me on car rides. My friends who stayed many nights talking about life with me. My friends who never judged me and always encouraged me.

And they deserve a thank you.

Thank you for making me laugh constantly.

I don't think there is a single picture of me from high school where my head isn't thrown back mid-cackle. Seriously, you guys just got me. You knew my sense of humor spot on. Whether it was poking fun at me for the dumb questions I ask or throwing grapes at each other at lunch, I was always smiling. Not to mention the insane amount of inside jokes we had and brought up on the daily.

Thank you for helping me make good decisions.

While everyone else was worried about fitting in and being cool, we were too busy having a great time. We didn't need alcohol to have fun, we just did. I never worried about what anyone thought, because you all helped me realize that their opinions don't matter.

Thank you for the inspiration.

Whether it was advice on fashion, boys, or career choice, you always knew how to give the best advice. It was always exactly what I needed to hear.

Thank you for always being there.

If I was having a rough time, I knew I had a troop of people there to back me up. Even now, even though we are cities apart (states apart, for some of us), you always let me know you care. Whether it's a random phone call or a quick text to see how my day is, I know our friendships are lifelong.

Thank you for the confidence.

Before I truly met you guys, I was so unsure of everything, especially myself. You all helped me realize that I don't need to rely on anyone but myself, and helped me to truly love myself as a person.

In high school, it's so hard to think you're worth anything to anyone. Everyone is so concerned with themself: how they look, how other's view them, how much money they have, how many friends they had, if they had a significant other... I never worried about any of that. You all empowered me to be the person I am today.

So thank you.