Dear friends, fellow Narnia inhabitants, Chopped champions, and snap streaks,

It's so surreal that in just a few days each of us will be heading off to somewhere that will soon become home. A few of you, at time of publication, will have already gone off to start your next grand adventure. Knowing that I won't see your lovely, smiling faces almost every day opens up a million other new realities that come with going to college, but thinking of all of us growing intellectually and socially and having our own fantastic experiences changes all that.

I have lived in the same town for eighteen years now, but it only started to really feel like home when you came into my life. Your unwavering, constant support and encouragement has gotten me through more than I ever thought I would accomplish, and has ultimately left me with a letter of acceptance from an amazing college, a high school diploma, too many incredible memories to count, and, most importantly, the most dedicated support group a Kate could ask for.

Having such a strong group of compassionate, kind, dedicated friends for all these years has made a world of difference in my everyday life. You have supported me through countless transitions, teen crises, and impossible math courses, and because of that, I'm here on the other side with a huge, goofy smile on my face. I know that this huge change that we're all dealing with will be no different. Just as all of you will be there for me no matter where life takes us, whether it is to the college we have committed to, another institution, travel, or work, know that I will always only be one call (or FaceTime, text, and/or messenger pigeon) away if you need me.

What's the point of this majorly sappy article, you ask? Besides working towards bringing messenger pigeons back, I want to say thank you. Thank you to my friends, new and old, for taking on such important roles in my life and for getting me to where I am today. You have constantly added to my happiness, and helped keep my sanity in check, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every time I smile, a little bit of it is because of you.

While I'm going to miss you all more than even I know at this time, I can't wait to check in and hear about all the amazing things you're undoubtedly going to do in the years to come. This is far from goodbye; it's catch you on the flip side. Stay bold, stay lovely, and most importantly, stay unapologetically you.

Love,

Your forever friend : )

Because when you love someone, you never, ever let them go. *penguin hugs*