To the College Friends That I Now Consider Family,

When I first moved away from home, I was so bummed out and pretty convinced that no one would ever measure up to my friends from high school. No matter how much people told me I needed to socialize, my stubborn self was determined to mope alone in my room forever. And let me tell you, I tried! (I binge watched so many shows those first few weeks.) However, that all changed after bonding with you guys while inconveniently being stuck inside for what seemed like forever during that tornado, and awkwardly just discovering that we lived basically right next to each other.

Let me start off by saying that I owe you guys at least a million thank you’s for everything you’ve done for me.

Thank you for supporting me through a stressful freshman year when I struggled constantly with being away from home. It takes a special friend to hug you in the middle of a crowded dining hall while you’re sobbing relentlessly onto a chemistry test. I probably looked terrifying with all the mascara streaming down my face. But like good friends, you got me that (unpleasantly shriveled) restaurant napkin and sat with me in the back of the lecture hall so no one else would see my gorgeous raccoon eyes. And since this happened within a week of us hanging out, I was just about positive that we were destined for true friendship.

Thank you for inviting me over to your houses for weekends and holidays and making me feel like I’m part of your family. There’s nothing harder for me than leaving behind my family and friends at home. You guys have showed me that even when I’m away from home, I have other families that will treat me as if I’m one of their own. Not to mention you have adorable pets that I get to cuddle with.

Thank you for forcing me to give myself a break sometimes and have fun. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed all the laughs we’ve shared together. From midnight study breaks to insanely dramatic games of Poker to Sunday movie nights — our shenanigans have always made my days a little better. Even if you didn’t know it.

Above all, thank you for being better friends than I ever imagined I would have during this chaotic time in my life.

As we go through these last couple years of college, I know that we will continue to make amazing memories together. I have no doubt in my mind that we’ll be reminiscing about all of our crazy times (like ordering cookies at 11:00 p.m. on a school night) when we’re 80 years old and living in the same retirement home — on a beach somewhere, of course. Until then, I hope you guys never forget how much I love you and how thankful I am to have you in my life.