Thanks to my person, who grew with me, challenged me, and made me feel like I could do anything, I will cherish my freshman year forever. As we continue to learn and experience more, I am convinced that I have found my Christina.

Thank you for believing a Saturday night can be spent watching an SVU marathon and eating ice cream.

Unlike most freshman, neither of us wanted to spend our weekends partying with people we didn’t know. I don’t feel like I need to drink to have fun, and having a friend who understands that is a blessing. You make me feel like I can be myself, like I can stick to my values, like I am not alone.

Thank you for always being prepared to have a dance party.

After preparing for three exams scheduled within two days, I could no longer sit and stare at my notebook. All it took was, “I think I need to dance it out,” to get you to pick out a song and get moving. I’m lucky I have someone who loses herself in music with me, dancing like nobody’s watching, simply because I need her to. I could feel my worries vanish as I looked around the room, taking in the ridiculousness and awesomeness of the scene.

Thank you for being a true friend.

Our friendship is based on authentic, significant experiences. We support each other through all the changes, joys, stress and celebrations life brings. While we moved into a 14x12 dorm room as strangers, unaware of how the next year would play out, we have become so much more than friends. Your genuine personality and kind heart mean so much to me. I know that you will always be there for me, and I hope you know that I will always be there for you.

Thank you for saying the right things at the right time.

When I am at my lowest points, you know just the right words to say to pull me out of my mood and set me off in the right direction again. We definitely acquired our abilities to comfort others from the best. We quickly learned how to lift each other up, and while it still brightens my mood to talk to my mom, you can provide the wisdom and encouragement I need to keep going.

Thanks for holding me accountable.

You never hesitate to call me out or make fun of my silly mistakes. I need someone who will give me complete honesty when I need to hear it, and you are not afraid to do so. I know you would never hurt me, but you realize that I desire the truth above all else. You can also make sense of any situation and provide a new perspective on any issue I face. Your logical approach to everything helps me see my problems in a new light.

Above all, thanks for being you.