Ask a girl what got her through her college years and she will easily say the friends around her. Whether they were from freshman year, social activities, or the girl sitting next to you in class, each individual you have met has changed your life for the better. Friends make up an essential part of your college experience and make bad days a whole lot better because they know how to make you smile. To the girls who I will always have a spot for in my heart, this is for you.

We had our disagreements and share of mixed opinions but I would not have asked for a better group of girls to share these past experiences with. Yes I know the dining hall food was sketchy and tiring at times, but thanks for never letting me eat there alone. When I needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to, you were always available and never complained no matter how late it was or how long it would take. At 2 a.m. when all I could think about were chocolate pancakes after cramming for a test, thanks for getting out of bed and coming with me to go eat them so I wouldn't have to do it alone. Whether it was guy trouble, school stress, or just a bad day I knew when I came back all of you were there to make me forget it. Never did I imagine I would meet a group of girls as fun, weird, and crazy as I, but fate proved me wrong. Together we conquered many obstacles and experienced a lot of firsts which we were sure to post on Instagram. Together fun nights turned into memories, and everyday conversations turned into catch phrases we still use today.

None of us took part in girl on girl hate, or even judgmental comments, instead we empowered each other and were happy when one of us got a good exam grade or was having a great hair day. I did not think that you would become like sisters to me, but it happened and whether it was from celebrating Friends-giving or from our late night talks, eventually we became a family. No, you do not need to be blood related to be considered a family, or know someone for years to consider them your best friends. What matters is that they never left your side, and loved you on your good days, but a little bit more on your bad ones. It is scary to think what would have happened if we never met, but I like to think our paths would have crossed regardless because we were meant to be friends. From crying, laughing, and stressing out together there is nothing we have not made it through. From the little arguments all the way to the big ones, we proved that nothing overcame our friendship. We each molded each other and it is funny to look back at when we just became friends all the way to now.

There are too many thanks I can continue on writing, but it is evident that my main point is clear. Nobody can replace the girls I met in college, nor will they ever be forgotten during post grad adventures or in my late 30s. These friendships I made will last a lifetime and in the years to come I know they will be with me whether it be on my wedding day or getting together for a girls adventure. Thank you for being you, for picking me up on my bad days, for encouraging me to do my best, and for being the best friends I could've asked for. If one time someone asks me what I remember the most about my college years, I hope you know that I will simply tell them it was my best friends and the memories we shared.