As a freshman in college, it's hard to think about many other things besides classes, studying, and working hard to strive for greatness. What I didn't know when I started classes in the fall was that I was starting to make friends. I thought my High School friends would be my friends forever, and some will be. Though I slowly realized that I was growing and living with these people around me, and I started to finally connect with people in my classes and major. Before I knew it, I had new friends.

This is an open letter to my new friends as a way of thanking you for being here for me. I appreciate all of you, and so my letter begins.

I came up to my dorm, rolling my stuff to the curb to be checked into my room and obtain my keys. I was looking at all these people that were moving in a few days early for band camp with me and saw new faces all around me. I felt so lost, alone, and sincerely confused about the whole situation. As I unpacked and got ready for a meeting, I looked in the mirror and saw myself in some athletic shorts, a t-shirt, and running shoes. This was the first day of an adventure I was not prepared for at all.

As the fall semester flew by, I had started to get to know some of you. I was in the same classes as you, we ate meals after night classes together, and we always had a laugh or two. It was when I returned home for winter break that I realized my life at school was shaping who I was, and I missed you guys.

When I got back to my dorm, classes soon started again and it was like we had never been separated. Actually, our relationships got even stronger. My routine connected with all of yours, and we started the semester off strong by going to some conferences together. Long car rides, coffee breaks, rushing for our sorority, and making music with one another made everything better for me. Before I thought I was alone, I was dazed and confused about what I was doing every single day.

I'm not confused anymore. I finally found people that share the same thoughts, ideas, strengths, interests, and passions as me. I found that people actually enjoyed my company, and helped me strive so I could try to help them strive too.

I appreciate you all, and I know our friendships will last a long time. Our jokes, sayings, and memories will last for years of endless laughter, and our goals for success and achievement will keep us bonded. I know that I truly appreciate you all for coming to my aid and helping me through the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Here's to the few years we have left in school together, and hopefully many more years of laughter, endless talks, and coffee breaks. Thank you for everything.