A year ago, I would've done anything to put you on Do Not Disturb. The constant dinging when I’m trying to get work done or my mom yelling at me when you went off at a family dinner. But now, two months into college, I couldn't be luckier to have something like you. Now that we’re all strewn around the world from Nepal to Chicago to Maine, the sound of that ding brings a smile to my face. With every new story, embarrassing moment, and reminder of when we’ll be reunited makes my day that much better. Thank you for keeping me updated on your stupid mistakes, sending me pictures of new haircuts, and all together keeping us together no matter the distance.

I know you'll always be there to remind me of the embarrassing things I’ve done (New Years), the songs we danced to ("Closer"), and the places that have become special to us (Waldorf). I don't care if it's 12 in the afternoon or 4 in the morning, I know that you’ll be there for me, usually with the response of the snake emoji. Even with the miles between us all, you’ve kept the humor (and roasts) alive. The amount of times I’ve tried to explain our group chat name or group emoji to my college friends before breaking down laughing is unimaginable. The look of confusion when they see the pictures or gifs we send each other and the jokes I don’t think I’ll ever be able to explain.

You are fourteen of the weirdest and most amazing people I have been lucky enough to know. And although we are all away making new friends, I’m glad that I still hear that ding and know exactly who it is yet never what to expect. We always joked that our friend group could be a reality show but I’d argue that our group chat would make a pretty good screenplay. Thanks for the laughs, tears, and 4 a.m. incoherent texts. I’m proud to call you my best friends and cannot wait to see you soon.

Love,

1/15 of Paula