Moving away from a friend can be challenging, especially if you consider them your “person”, but life happens and things change. My person moved to North Carolina to attend a school for dance. Contrary to popular belief, I refused to think that the relationship had to be “out of sight, out of mind”. We had gone through too much and experienced too many things to let a few hundred miles get in the way of that bond. So, I was determined to keep in touch and make long distance work.

Moving was something we both needed--getting out of our beloved hometown and expanding our horizons. We wanted a fresh start and to meet new people, and we truly got that.

Despite our constantly busy lives, the important part was keeping in touch along the way. We tried to talk at least once a week and fill each other in on the important stuff. If I needed her, she was there for me, and if she needed me, I was there for her. We got to see each other over the breaks and pick up where we left off. We actually got to see each other on four separate occasions, which is pretty crazy considering the distance. I went to North Carolina once and she came to Orlando and then we met up in our hometown over Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It was amazing seeing our growth through just the first semester of college. We both got to meet people with similar interests and feel like we were a part of something bigger--her with her dancing and me with my sorority. We both became more independent and were living our dreams. It made me so happy to see my best friend do what she loves every day and be with people who have the same goals as her. We truly got to start over and flourish in a new place on our own.

Even though I was proud, it didn’t mean I didn’t still miss her. I missed the late night talks, gym sessions, and the coffee dates. Talking on the phone is definitely not the same as seeing each other in person. Meeting more people in college really made me realize how great of a friend she was and still continues to be.

So Isabel, my best friend away from home:

I will continue to keep you informed on the intricate details of my day to day life, only if you do the same. I will make sure you to snapchat you the funny moments that happen in my life so you don’t miss all of them. I will always be there for you if you ever need anything, day or night. I will continue to be the best friend I can be and always have your best interest at heart. You deserve the best because you have shown me how great friends can really be.