As summer is fast approaching and high school graduation looms over the Class of 2016, some of the seniors may be thinking about leaving behind the only place they have really known and the people who have become their best friends. I know that around this time last year I began to think about all of the new friends I would soon make, but I was also worried about losing touch with some of my favorite people in the whole world. Whether you think you're ready to tell your 'friends' goodbye forever, or if you're terrified to lose them; my words of wisdom are simple; KEEP THEM! You won't regret it. Feeling like my friends were with me on my journey, really made my adjustment to college so much easier and made me love school even more.

Below I've listed five simple ways to keep your high school friends just as close as the day you graduate.

1. Make a Facebook group chat before you graduate. Yes, I know that most of you probably don't use FB that frequently, but you will quickly learn that Messenger is the easiest way to have a group chat. Use the FB chat throughout the summer, and once you go separate ways, update it with stories of funny and awkward things that happen to you daily (we all have those moments), memes, and throwback pictures. Name the chat something fun, give each other nicknames and change the emoji regularly!

2. Set up regular Skype dates. My best friend from high school and I planned a Skype every week on Fridays. While it didn't always work out (usually because of me), we always tried to reschedule. Seeing her face and getting to laugh with her was usually the highlight of my week.

3. Take initiative. Make plans to see your friends when you are home on break. Whether this is a dinner date, bowling, or a simple movie night, you'll all remember why you love each other.

4. Trade addresses when the school year starts and randomly send your friends a letter or a post card. Everyone loves getting mail, and a simple note will let your friends know you are thinking of them.

5. Pick up the phone and call them. Don't be confined to short messages and emojis. As uncomfortable as phone calls can be, so much more can be communicated through a phone conversation.