You're probably wondering why it's summer and I'm already talking about school. Well, it's already July and that means school is on in about a month. With a new school year coming up and a new school, college, it's time I write a letter to my high school best friend.

Dear BFF,

I know what you're thinking already as you go into your next year of high school without me. You don't know how you're going to live without seeing me in the halls, who to stand in line with at lunch, or vent to when you are having a bad day. Trust me, I don't know how I can survive classes without you and start over in college. The thought of having to make new friends in a place where I know no one is terrifying. High school was horrible if one of us was absent for one day; our survival rate was slim and we would most likely not make it a whole day of school. Thankfully, the nurse sent almost everyone home so we wouldn't have to go long without seeing each other. Unfortunately, things are going to change.

"You will not have the same friends you had freshmen year." Everyone says this but underclassman never seem to believe it. However, friends come and go almost every year of high school. We may become distant because our lives are in completely different buildings but I'll always be your friend when you need one. Girls will still be mean and do what they can in their power to hurt you--that is one thing that will never change. I want you to know that just because someone is dressed or acts a certain way, you don't have to be that way. You will find yourself under a lot of pressure when it comes to making new friends and one of them being trying not to develop bad habits from their toxic actions. That includes not letting the title "upperclassman" get to you. Treat the underclassman with respect, they are scared of you as it is. People will change when they are around certain people without realizing it. You are you and if you feel you have to change to become someone's friend they are NOT your friends. They will eventually hurt you considering how you could not be yourself to impress them. One important tip on making new friends is that those who gossip to you will gossip about you, and that's the sad truth. Gossip is considered the norm in high school, and of course everyone does it, but you can gossip without being a bully. What I'm saying is to cut ties with anyone who makes you feel less than a person or changes you. Everyone deserve a chance just don't hand them out like candy on Halloween. It will come back to haunt you. It is okay to be selfish when it comes to your own feelings.

Be wise when befriending people because people still believe in the term, "guilty by association." I never did but your teachers, parents and peers will judge you for hanging out with people who drink, smoke, or "get around." I'm not asking you to become friends with these people but just be careful and make sure you are not forced to do anything you don't want to do. Leave the situation immediately even if it means calling your parents. They will understand and be proud that you went to them when you were in a dangerous situation. Kids think they are invincible at this age but we aren't. We don't live forever and its important to be safe.

"Boys are gross and have cooties." You were told this since you started school more than likely by your dad because they are so protective over us. We all have our fair share of heartbreak, but we forget that it won't be our last. We also have a tendency of blaming ourselves and believing that there is something wrong with us. There is nothing wrong with you, there is something wrong with him. You guys didn't work out for a reason, don't try and fool yourself into believing the excuses he makes for hurting you. When boys hurt you it is not because they like you. It means they are just playing games and don't deserve the time of day from you. Move on and don't waste your high school career on a boy because they are still boys, not men. Most of the boys in your grade are out hunting for the younger girls anyways so you may not have a problem with them.

I'm thankful to have had you as my number one supporter my senior year. Without you I wouldn't have had any real friends. You were always honest and blunt with me even if it hurt my feelings. I had other friends that I socialized with, but you were the real deal. I needed someone like that to get me through the rough patches of high school. I am no longer there to stick up for you and help you with everything, but I am still here. I'll always take your feelings into consideration and love you through the worst of situations. Just because a diploma has come between us it does not mean we are no longer friends. You're a forever friend, and I apologize for leaving you behind to defend for yourself. Good luck, I'm rooting for you.

Your best friend.