Guys,

Wow. I can't believe it's finally here. The time we've been talking about, dreading, and planning for since we were little. We're taking the biggest step of our lives, so far, and doing something for ourselves. We're moving on from this little old town, high school insanity, and old reputations. We can be literally anyone we want to be. We are taking the biggest step of our lives. We're all going in different directions. We won't see each other five days a week anymore. You aren't across town anymore, you're a 116-mile drive. We aren't going to be able to hang out, watch movies, and eat Hershey kisses anymore. Things are changing, but there are a few things that I promise will stay the same.

I am so proud of you. I mean, look at you. You've come so far and grown so much. You've done so much good here at home. You've led people, made an impact, got decent grades, and made so many friends. Even more, though, you have so much ahead of you. You've got your entire life in front of you and I know the good things aren't going to end. You are just getting started.

And you're brave...so so brave. It's so easy to make the choice to stay here and go to a junior college for two years where you know everyone. But you? You decided not only to pursue a four-year program but move hundreds of miles away from where you know everyone. I'm so proud of you for making that leap and for what I know you're going to do.

This next chapter you are going to do things I've never even thought of. You're going to make some of the best choices of your life. You're going to meet people you've only ever hoped for. You're going to take a job, go on a date, confront that professor, and say no to that party all because you just know you have to.

You're also going to make some really bad choices. I am too. You're going to fail a midterm, be mean to the one kid who knows what he's doing in Chemistry, and maybe walk away from, or into, an opportunity that you shouldn't have. We're going to make mistakes. Just know that you are not alone in this. No one gets out of college without a list of decisions they shouldn't have made. Not only that, but I'm here. No matter what. To celebrate every small victory and analyze every giant slip-up.

I'm in your corner, even if we don't talk again outside of friendly conversation in Wal-Mart after you leave. I always have been cheering you on. I promise to always remember every birthday, big game, and favorite holiday. I will always say a prayer for you when you're facing an injury or a big test. I will cheer you on just like I have our entire friendship. Some things change, but me being on your home team does not.

And, of course, thank you. Thank you for every laugh, math answer, text message about how bad the Miami Dolphins are, and every joke. Thank you for always being the girl I can come to for anything. Thank you for letting me borrow your books. Thank you always welcoming me back into our friendship, no matter how far I wandered.

Thank you for always bailing me out and airing up my tires.

Thank you for being my first friend, the closest thing I have to a brother, and my best friend.

Thank you for an amazing 18/4/9 years.

Now go out there and change the world, because we can't do this without you.