Well, you did it. You’ve made it through the long nights and weeks you thought would never end. You have a new journey ahead of you and I could not be more proud to call you my friend. I have watched you grow over the past couple years and whether you know it or not I look up to you in so many ways. I’ve seen you take on some unbearable challenges and come out as strong as ever, so I know this next step in your life will be a solid one.

I know you are scared of what the future holds and worried about life outside of college, but my dear friend, your strength is incredible. I can imagine you saying, "How do you know this? You’re not the one graduating." You’re right, I am not, but I know you. I’ve seen you at your worst, and you have seen me at mine. During those times we learned a lot about each other. I saw you look to God when you felt discouraged and you encouraged me to do the same. You sat and prayed with me when I couldn’t find the words to say myself. I cannot thank you enough for the lessons I have learned from you.

Next year will be hard without you, but you won’t be able to get rid of me that easy. You know I will talk to you everyday and show up unannounced at your house. You’ve worried about losing some of your friends after graduation, but I promise I’m not going anywhere. Besides, there is no one who understands my love for Disney movies quite like you, or who will sing duets with me in the car.

And let me just tell you; you are going to do amazing things in your life. You laugh now but you cannot hide your brilliance from the world forever. You may be stubborn and difficult at times -- but you know what you want, and you’re going to achieve it.

We did not grow up together in the same town. We didn't know each other through our awkward middle school years, when we were forced to be friends with our peers. No, we chose to be friends. For some reason, God knew I needed you in my life, and I will never be thankful enough for that gift. I never knew when we first met that I was meeting my best friend. Sure, I am sad I don’t get to spend my senior year with you by my side, but I will be one step ahead of all the others because you’ll be looking out for me.

Relax a little and celebrate everything you have accomplished so far in your life, and just know that this is only the beginning to a beautiful ride. Take a deep breath and step into the real world, and don’t be too sad because I promise I am only one step behind you.