Dear best friend,

First off, I can't believe I've only known you for two years. What did I ever do before you? I don't even know but I'm happy our paths crossed. It's so weird to think that you could've moved anywhere and your parent's job sent you here but I'm so thankful it did.

I remember it started when you joined the drama club. You got cast in a play as a waitress just like me. We would dance backstage to the background music and make up dumb names and backstories for our characters. But what really kicked off our friendship was a piece of candy. We were both in the locker room together and I asked you if you wanted a kiss. You said, "uuum, I guess." I pulled a Hershey kiss our of my bag and you laughed. You had thought I meant a real kiss. It's funny to me how you once mistaking me for a lesbian sprouted an amazing bond.

Ever since that show, we've been good friends. Two years doesn't sound like a lot but we've been through a lot and grown quite a bit. You went from a waitress with a few lines to the lead, "Mary Poppins," in our school's musical. I've never had a person that I connected with so quickly in every way. I love that we can talk about everything from what Starbucks drink is the best of our spirituality.

We've had many adventures together in your car, Pauline.

I remember all the times you drove me home or going to Starbucks just to talk about life. One of my favorite memories was when we pumped gas for the first time. It may have been a disaster but at least we didn't have to do it alone. Thank you for introducing me to the Princess Diaries and other iconic movies I hadn't seen because I lived under a rock. I enjoyed introducing you to the amazing world of Harry Potter with our friends on nights that we called "Potter at Paige's." I loved all the bonfires and the songs we sang around them. There are so many seemingly insignificant memories that mean so much.

There are so many characteristics that I admire about you and try to instill in myself like how to be truly strong and confident in yourself. You fight so hard for what you love and for whats right in the kind of way you only see in movies. You're so determined and you believe in me even when I don't believe in myself. You're so good at building others up and just giving people the attention that they need. All of your words are so carefully crafted to form exactly what I need to hear. When you make a decision, you measure all the options to see not only what's best for you but also whats best for the people around you. It's for all of these things and more that you inspire me to be the best person I can be. You prove to me that God really does put certain people in your life for a reason.

And now we're both about to start college. I'm nervous about all this change but I know when we have bad days we can count on each other. Just know I'm so proud to call you my friend and I know you will conquer every obstacle ahead. Thank you so much for the music, the laughs, and the journey. I can't wait to take on ISU with you!

Love you lots,

Sarah