This past semester was hard. Very hard. And I don't mean in the academic sense, even though my classes were very difficult. I mean in the mental sense, in the emotional sense.

Death is hard no matter what the circumstances may be. And when I lost a good friend in February, I didn't know how to cope

In January, I met an incredible student whose passion and talent for writing inspired me. I knew ours would be a friendship that would last for an entire lifetime. She changed my life.

But she passed away on February 17, 2015.

Losing her was one of the hardest things that has ever happened to me. I was confused and angry. Angry at people for moving on with their lives as if nothing had happened on our beautiful campus. I was angry at God for not doing anything to stop it. Angry at myself for not being okay.

Then, you came along. Kind of suddenly. Very unexpectedly. I knew who you were but had never spent much time with you. When I needed someone like you most, you tapped me on the shoulder. It was like I had been waiting for you for a long time.

You brought sunshine into the darkest time in my life. Your positivity lifted my spirit, and your friendship gave me strength. You listened and understood. You helped me understand that everything happens for a reason. You believed in me, and you inspired me to become better. To stand sure in myself, be convicted in who I am. To be proud of me.

You showed me incredible things around me I had never seen before. You encouraged me to keep an open mind, and you pushed me to follow my heart. You taught me that having the right attitude is key, and no matter how dark life gets, there is always a silver lining.

Remember the night you told me you were thankful for me? The moment you said you were happy I'm here? Or even the days after when you looked me in the eyes and smiled, saying hello as we passed in the hall or on the sidewalk. Such a simple action, but it meant so much to me.

With you, I found my light, and with you, I will pass it on.

Tears are building in my eyes right now as I think of you, my friend. Though there were days when I wasn't sure how I was going to get through, you were always there for me. You may never know how much you mean to me--these couple hundred words don't capture how thankful I am for you. But know this. You are incredible. You are special and you are loved. Thank you for being my friend.