To My Best Friends I've Grown Up With,

Being almost finished with our third year of college, whether we've been best friends since kindergarten or since some point in high school, we've been through a lot together. We've laughed together, cried together, made amazing memories together, and helped each other grow into the people we are today.

Throughout the years, we have all experienced our own sets of highs and lows. It hasn't always been the smoothest sailing and we all have gone through things that we hope to never go through again. Whether it was an issue with family, friends, school, a relationship, or anything else, I have watched you guys both struggle and thrive, and I can say it has truly been an honor to both struggle and thrive alongside you guys.

Why I'm writing this, and what I basically want to tell you guys is this: I am so proud of you.

I am so proud of the people you are. I am so proud to be able to call you my best friends. I am convinced I could search the whole world and never come across a group of people as genuine and selfless as you are. Each and every single one of you makes me proud to simply know you and feel incredibly grateful to be immersed in such an incredibly strong support system.

I've seen you all in your most awkward days (and unfortunately you've seen me in mine, too). We were the awkward middle schoolers who were too shy to talk to boys and went shopping at strictly Abercrombie and Hollister (and maybe sometimes Aeropostale). We over-edited our Facebook profile pictures and spent weekends taking selfies on the Macs at the Apple Store in the mall. We were the high schoolers who were usually still too shy to talk to boys, but that was okay since One Direction were the only boys that mattered, anyways. We were the girls who were extremely unsure of what the future held and were too nervous to even think about it. But somewhere along the way, through all of our awkward stages and problems we encountered, without us even realizing, we grew up.

I've watched you grow into these strong, intelligent and confident young women who do nothing but empower themselves and those around them. You can ask anyone who is lucky enough to know you guys and I can guarantee they will all say the same things; that you are the kind of person everyone needs in their life and you effortlessly make everyone smile. You all radiate such positive energy and are not afraid to speak your mind and be heard, something so valuable in today's society. You all know what your values are, what you believe in and always do your best to make everyone feel loved.

You have become women that are kind in a world that can be so cruel, women who never hesitate to help someone in need. Of course, you have always been this way, but recently I have seen you guys start clubs to help refugees, help build houses during your spring break and volunteer at soup kitchens. You are already making a difference in this world. You truly make a difference in everyone's lives, mine included.

You have all accomplished amazing things and continue to do so every day. I have seen you place first in national gymnastics competitions (congrats again, Alyssa!) and travel the world, experiencing astonishing things along the way. I admire your hard work, dedication, wanderlust, and everything else that makes you who you are.

It goes without being said that we are still so young and have a LOT more growing and learning to do. We are going to experience new things and learn lessons along the way. We have a life full of new memories and mistakes to make. But for what it's worth, I think you're all doing a great job so far and I mean it when I say I am so proud of the women you are and what you are accomplishing.

Thank you for all you guys do for me. You mean the world to me. I can't wait to continue to stand by your sides and cheer you all on as you take on the world.

All my love,

Daelyn