My whole life, everything was always the same. The same people, the same town, the same school, everything in my life remained unchanged for 18 years. Then my senior year of high school rolled around, I began to start thinking about my future after I graduated. I thought about how I was so excited to start college. I thought about all the different classes I was going to take and all the things I wanted to get involved in, and especially whether or not I would live away or commute to school.

When I was leaning toward staying on campus, I was trying to find a roommate through the school’s incoming freshman Facebook page. I got a message from a girl named Emma. We talked a lot about the things we were interested in and all the things we wanted to do at school. She and I immediately got close and texted each other almost every day. I considered her one of my closest friends even though at that point we hadn’t even met yet. I eventually decided to commute to school, which meant I couldn’t room with her. She was totally fine with it and we were still extremely close. Before even meeting, I felt as if I had known her for ages.

The day came when we finally met face to face. It was the first day of classes and I don’t think that I was happier to see someone’s face than ever before. She and I thought we were a lot alike just from texting each other, but we were even more alike in person. We are two of a kind and she has become my absolute best friend. When I had a fall out with almost every single one of my friends in high school, she was there for me. She stood with me through a lot even though we’ve only known each other for a little over a year.

Like all friends, we fight at times. But she is probably the most genuine friend I’ve ever had. I never even knew how good a friend could be until I met her. She has treated me like I am actually worth something, and that means everything to me. Our times together are always spent laughing about the things going on in our lives or singing One Direction songs. We always have sleepovers in her dorm room and go out shopping together. She is not only one of the absolute funniest people that I know, she is also one of the strongest. She has gone through a lot in her life and has been so tough, and puts on her bravest face every time. I cannot say in words how proud of her I am and how much she means to me. She has helped me through so much, and even when she’s having a hard time too she still puts me first.

Lately, because she joined a sorority and my job being hectic, our schedules have been so conflicting that we don’t see each other as much. Regardless, I want her to know that no matter what, I will be right there beside her come rain or shine. She can always reach out and I’ll be there to catch her. I love her more than anything. She has taught me how to actually have a healthy friendship where I don’t have to be afraid to be myself. She is just as goofy as I am and it feels so good to have a friend like her. I’ve learned to never take these types of people in your life for granted. I’ve also learned that many people are going to come and go, but friendships like these are forever. I am so grateful to have crossed paths with Emma and I wouldn’t change our friendship for the world.