I'd like to take a moment to give my friends, old and new, a quick shoutout. My friends are people I can tell anything to. People who I can laugh with. People I can cry with. But most of all, they are people that I love throughout it all. I'd be nowhere without my friends. They are people who know me at my best and love me at my worst. Every single one of my friends has different qualities that make them special and wonderful. They are there to do crazy things with and to give you confidence and encouragement when you need it most. I once read that friends are your personal journal and I believe this to be true. I know I can tell my friends anything without any judgment and I hope they know they can tell me anything in return.

As we grow up, new people are constantly coming in and out of our lives. Real friends will always be there. You may not speak everyday, but you know that if you have something crazy to tell them that you can no matter what time of day it is. The best friends will answer your call and listen as you run out of breath telling them about whatever it is that you just had to tell them right that second. They will be there to laugh with until you cry and to have movie nights with when you don't feel like going out. Friends help you through heartbreak, loss and everyday obstacles. They are there so you don't have to eat alone and there to take care of you when you're sick. I've learned that if you are a good friend to others, others will be good friends to you. Friendship is not just about what you receive, but what you give. As I get older, I have learned that it isn't important how many friends you have, but the quality of those few friends is what matters most. Life is going to put you down. Friends are always there to help you back up.

I am so thankful for my friends, those I've known for years, and those who I've only known for 365 days. Thank you for accepting my weird laugh and all my craziness. Please know, I will be there no matter where we are in the world. I'm here to listen and laugh and cry, just as you all were there for me when I needed it. I love you all more than you know and I appreciate all the little and big things you've done for me.