I really don't know how it happened. One day, I went from a girl who was friends with "the guys" because I thought they had less drama, to the girl surrounded by Starbucks, estrogen and an excessive amount of glitter.

Okay, so I actually do know how it happened. I found myself surrounded by the most amazing group of strong, and beautiful individuals last year, and I haven't looked back since. It's almost like we're now parts of this wonderful whole.

Since that moment, we've bonded over our mutual love of comedy shows, Disney movies and '80s rock bands.

I wouldn't trade these things for the world, but there's another side of my friend group that is really hard to see from the outside. This is what really makes me treasure the group that I have. While we function as a whole unit, the connections that run between us on the inside are what hold us together. We're not just best friends because of the commonality of our group - we're best friends because we've all established lasting bonds with each other individually.

So, this one's for the girl who started it all. Thank you for inviting me to Bible study that first time. Without you, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I will forever be grateful for you and your abundance of kindness (let's obsess about Disney together soon, okay?).

This one's for the girl who recently sat in my car in the wee hours of the morning and comforted me while I cried. You've always been there, ready to listen, despite what you're going through. This one is for you to know that I'll always be here to listen to you when you need it and offer a shoulder to cry on.

This one's for the girl who left us last semester, but is constantly on our minds. A piece of us left with you. There is no one who can ever take your place. The advice you've given me was wise beyond your years, and I can't wait to see what adventure you're going to be on next (maybe you can take me with you next time).

This one's for the girl who puts on the "badass" face when danger strikes and does anything to protect the ones she loves. Not only do you do this, you also humbly tell us that it was nothing, when really it means everything. Thank you for being the person who draws out my childishness. I thought I lost it a long time ago.

This one's for the girl who cares excessively. Almost obsessively. But in a good way, you know? Thank you for momming me when I needed it the most. Thanks for always being willing to remind me to do basic life functions. I probably wouldn't have made it this far without you. Your love does not go unnoticed.

This one's for the girl who made a decision too soon. It still kills me that you're all the way in Texas. But I understand why you had to leave. I've never seen you this happy, and even though I miss you every day, it helps me to know that you're getting the amazing life that you deserve. I'll see you soon.

And finally, this one's for the girl who told me that she doesn't deserve my friendship. I can't begin to tell you how wrong you are. You've stuck with me through everything life has flung at me, whether it be good or bad. Despite my crazy- and there seems to be a lot of it sometimes- you've always found a way to encourage me to be the best person I can be. I can't thank you enough for your friendship. You're stuck with me for the long run.

While this piece is to thank my friends individually, I encourage you, dear reader, to reach out to those you care about and thank them as well. You never know who needs to hear how much you mean to them.