To My College Friends As We Leave For Summer,

Last August, I moved to a new city, a new state to go to a school where I knew only a few familiar faces. I would have never met some of these amazing friends had I gone to any other school. Absolute strangers that now know my ins and outs and my hopes and dreams.

My biggest fear in coming to college wasn’t the academics — it was whether or not I would have someone to eat dinner with every night, someone to hang out with on a Friday night and someone who would accept me for me. It’s crazy to me to sit back and think that just nine months ago I didn’t know you — and now, I can’t imagine my life without you. You have seen me at my best and definitely at my worst, yet you love me all the same. You have pushed me to try new things, meet new people and live my best life.

While I’m excited to head back home to my comfortable bed, to my pets and to where my food is free, I’m so sad to be leaving you for almost four months. I have made some of my best memories with you — spontaneous trips to the beach, movie-marathons, playing in the rain, laughing at each other and the list goes on.

What a year it has been. I never expecting to become so close with you in just a year. And, while I know I still have three more years to meet new friends, those who I have already met will be friends that last a lifetime.

As we say goodbye to each other and we head out on our various summer adventures, I just want to remind you how much you mean to me, how much I care about you and how I already can’t wait to be back together in August.

Don’t forget to text me all summer to ask what outfit you should wear, send me ugly Snapchats and make some funny memories that you can tell me about when we’re reunited.