You guys know me better than most people, and to be honest, sometimes better than I know myself. You know how to get me out of a bad mood and when my introverted self needs a break from being social. From high school study sessions to movie marathons, "dirt road" therapy to retail therapy, concerts to driving around with the windows down, and getting dressed for prom or eating Chinese take out in pajamas, you guys have been there through every laugh or tear there has almost ever been. You were there during times when I felt my world was falling apart and you didn't let me settle into the bad habits that I was used to falling back on. You broke me out of my shell and then refused to let me crawl back in it and I could not be more grateful for that. I would probably still be that quiet and innocent little girl if you had not showed me that I could change if I wanted to. There are times when that girl comes out (mostly around professors or authority figures) and saves us from getting in trouble or one of our really bad ideas.

From adventuring across old wooden bridges with loose planks and wandering around downtown at night, we have all had our fair share of dangerous and not so dangerous nights. You guys have seen me trip over nothing and climb up and across rocks that I could easily slip and fall and get seriously hurt on. We have all wondered how I can gracefully walk across dangerous surfaces and then trip while walking through Target. I still don't know the answer to that question and I don't think I ever will. I do know that you guys have been there through late night confessions, breakups, and me massively losing my composure from the first time since I can remember. You stick with me through some pretty tough situations and the fun memories we have make up for it.

I cannot promise you that this stuff won't happen again, but I can promise you that we will get through it. It may take a while and some talking, but whatever happens we can and will get through it. Who else would help me plan a Harry Potter movie marathon out of the blue for a summer weekend? Or read my new story ideas and drafts? or listen to conspiracy theories or weird things my characters in any of the games I play have done? Without you guys who would keep me up at night as we talk through your essays and drafts? or give me new shows to watch? or drag me out of the house when I feel like I'm going crazy?

You guys are my second family and I would go crazy without you. I have learned so much from you that I wouldn't have learned at all. Things like how to play certain games, medical terms, and even how to jump into and out of moving vehicles (you know who you are and you also know that I had to put this one in here). We have gone to Chicago and Washington D.C. and Atlanta and so many other places. I've gone camping with some of you and accidentally crossed over into another state as well. We have technically set each other on fire before (we were safe and we were doing a science experiment lovingly called fire bubbles and it is completely harmless) and if we can get through that, we can get through anything. I never would have gone to college where I am now if I didn't have you guys to reassure me that our friendship wouldn't change. I wouldn't even be writing for The Odyssey if you hadn't have encouraged me to be who I am.

Thank you guys for everything and I love all of you to the stars and back.