To The First Friend I Made In College,

Flashback to August 2014 and I was ridiculously nervous, but I kept reassuring myself that starting college was terrifying for everyone. I tried my best to control my nerves, telling myself that college was going to be way better than I was anticipating.

My first class didn't start until 9 am, which I remember thinking was the perfect time to have class because it wasn't at 7 am like high school was (now, of course, any class earlier than 10 am is just not happening). I arrived at campus way before class (which of course now doesn't happen either) and it was beautiful outside, so I wanted to sit and enjoy the sunshine to calm my nerves. You were sitting at a table outside the building my class was in, so I awkwardly approached you and asked if you were waiting for the same math class. Looking back, I don't know why I assumed that just because you were sitting outside the same building meant that you had the same class as me. But you did, and we sat and talked for a bit before we walked to our first college class together. Soon enough, meeting at the table outside the building before class became our morning ritual.

Fast forward almost three years and now it's the end of the spring semester of our junior year and we are getting ready to graduate in only a semester or two. Where did the time go? I can clearly picture the two naive girls we once were sitting together panicking over the fact that we had absolutely no idea what we wanted to major in. We talked about everything from boys to our dreams and worries about both college and the future. Of course, we still talk about those same topics daily, but we now have a better idea of who we are and where we're going. Ultimately, we helped each other find our way and find ourselves.

I would hope you already know how much of an impact you have had on my life. You have always been a true friend to me, giving me genuine advice and going out of your way to be there for me. You have always been so supportive and encouraging, reminding me that I am capable of anything and deserve the best. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me over the past few years. We've laughed until our stomachs hurt and we've cried until we ran out of tears. We've created priceless memories both on and off campus. As the years have gone on, we have expanded our friend group on campus and we have both introduced each other to people who have changed our lives for the better.

I can't help but think about how proud I am of you and what you have already accomplished. Although we haven't known each other all that long, I have seen you grow as a person and discover yourself and I feel grateful to have been by your side throughout your journey. But we both know our journeys are far from over and we have a lot more dreams, worries and boys to talk about. We have a lot more stupid things to laugh and cry over and we still have a lifetime full of memories to create. College will be over before we know it, but our friendship is something that is here to stay. I will always be grateful to the young, naive college freshman who introduced herself to the girl sitting at the table outside her class on the first day because even though she didn't know it yet, she was making one of the best decisions she ever made in college.

With lots of love,

Your First Friend You Met In College