Before going to a university, I thought that I didn't really need any new friends. I was content with the friends that I already had, but I didn't expect them to break my heart, and I didn't expect to break their hearts either. But it just happened, and I lost them. But through their loss, I was fortunate enough to find friends who cared for me just as much, if not even more, than the last. They loved me without judgment and without hateful banter.

I met most of you in choir. I remember that first day too, we all sat down and our conductor had us introduce ourselves. I've always been awkward at doing that, but I pulled through. I didn't expect to fall in love with a soprano, a bass, and a tenor. You all seemed like friendly people, and I was a little nervous to actually talk to you all, but I did and you welcomed me with open arms.

I don't remember exactly how we became friends, but I am thankful every day for your friendship and the choir trip that allowed me to get to know you all better. You made me into a whole person. Before you it felt as if every one that had ever said anything hurtful, or had done anything hurtful to me had taken an ice cream scoop and scooped out my happiness and self being. I was an empty bowl that some kid threw away because he was too lazy to wash it, but you picked me up, and knew that I wasn't just another piece of trash. You took me home and washed me.

You filled me with happiness, laughter, and love. I know you all aren't perfect. You all have your flaws, like any other human being, but I love you for them and you love me for mine. I learned that nobody is perfect and there will always be a time in a friendship where we will hurt each other. I learned this the hard way and my reaction was a bad one, but I learned how to handle this differently through you, and this is what makes us true friends.

Because although something bad can potentially happen, I know that we will all still love each other in the end. All that we can ask for is forgiveness, and that's all anyone ever asks for when something bad happens. I will forgive you because you are worth it. It has happened once between one of you and I.

You don't know, because I chose to forgive you silently. I forgave you for not considering my feelings before doing what you did, and I forgave you because I love you.

So I ask that, if anything ever happens, we forgive each other. Friendship break-ups are far worse than significant other break ups, and not having you in my life, any of you, is an unbearable thought. I also want you to know how to ask for forgiveness, because this also was something that I learned the hard way.

I want you to ask for forgiveness if you have said something hurtful, because although you think it's fine, it might not be. Words can be the strongest weapon you have, and they can stay with someone forever. So think before you say something you'll regret, and if you've said it then ask for the forgiveness that you need to possibly save a friendship.

I want you to remember that I will be there for you, whenever you need me. Even if I have to drive from Sioux City to Algona, or to Grinnell. I will be there for you when you're crying. When you think that this world isn't worth it anymore, I will be there for you to remind you why it is.

Your happiness is as important as anyone's, and as important as my own. I want to tell you that I love you. I love all of you with all of my heart.

My sweet soprano baby. So talented and bright. You make me a better person. You made me see the world in a different light, a more pleasant one.

My handsome tenor, I love you more than you could ever know (and I love your wardrobe).

My funny bass, you keep a smile on my face and I am so thankful for you, all of you.

From artists to musicians to jacks of all trades. I will be there for you, and I can only hope that you will do the same for me.