Dear Thomas,

As you go off to college, I wanted to write this letter to you. I know we’ve been separated before when I went to college last year, but it feels different for some reason this year. Maybe because I knew I’d see you in a few weeks at our cousin’s sweet sixteen and then our other cousin’s wedding and then family weekend. I don’t know the next time I’ll see you – maybe Thanksgiving? Hopefully not. Maybe I can sneak away for your family weekend. But either way, it’s the unknown that’s making this time around feel different. I don’t know how often I’ll talk to you because now our schedules, homework and studying may conflict. I don’t know how often I’ll see you being three hours away from each other. But I hope we do.

You’ve been my best friend since I was 16 months old. We’ve never spent more than three weeks apart, even when I was at Fairfield. And even though I was initially upset to hear you chose Scranton over Fairfield at the last second, I can now say that I truly am happy for you. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy for you.

Now my advice for you and all freshmen. It’s totally normal to miss your family and friends and routine of being home. It’s totally normal to call home at night or when you’re walking to class. It’s totally normal to have a rough first few weeks. But you can change that! Sign up for clubs at your activities fair and go to some club meetings until you find a couple you like. Don’t lock yourself up in your room; always leave your door open and do homework in the lounges and library to meet people. Find your perfect balance between school work and your social life. Go to your professors’ office hours, even if you have to kiss up a little bit. Choose your battles with your roommate. Text your family members and high school friends. Take risks. And most importantly, be yourself, because there’s no way you won’t have tons of friends if you just stay true to who you are.

So congrats on all your accomplishments so far; I know you’ll continue to soar in college. Even though I will miss you tremendously, I know you’ll be fine without me. Just remember to text me about how your day went and about the TV shows we watch. I know college is a huge transition, but just embrace it! I’ll really miss you a lot.

Love,

Your Best Friend