As I transition into college, naturally, I am forced to leave many things behind. My family will now be away from me, my friends are going to different schools and all of a sudden, I'm on my own.

The idea of college excites and scares me at the same time. I am thrilled for the social aspect: making new friends and memories. But these goodbyes have become very difficult to deal with. That is until I traveled with some of my closest friends to their college to help them move in. By doing this, I thought of it as my last chance to see them before I left and they officially started school.

Just as I was leaving and saying goodbye to one of my friends, she ushered me not to cry. When she said this, I was quite surprised. After all, I am an emotional person, and we knew we would not see each other for a long time. She told me that we would "see each other later." Her words stuck deep with me that day and every day since.

With all of the packing, we tend to get lost in the idea that we are leaving. Yes, of course, we are physically leaving, but leaving and ending are different. Our relationships do not have to end simply because we are moving away. In fact, to me, moving away can incredibly strengthen relationships. Time apart can bond two people better than almost anything else.

Now, don't get me wrong, I did not go to college and expect to no longer be friends with anyone I was friends with before. I imagined that college would make connections uneasy to maintain. This I also believe to be true.

Keeping my old friends through all the change that I will be faced with will be extremely difficult, but if those relationships can last, I have found friends for a lifetime.

Over the years, I have made friends with some of the greatest and funniest people I have ever met. Within this time, I have been so lucky to receive four, unbelievably amazing, best friends. They have taught me an endless supply of lessons and have also given me a mountain of stories and memories that I will always be able to hold close to my heart. Each one is entirely unique on their own.

Makaylia brings out a fun-loving side of me that I didn't know I had, Olyvia understands my problems and will be there to support me no matter what, Harley can always be counted on to be honest and can make just about anything into an adventure and Kesla has lived my life with me. I have learned more about myself and have grown an immense love for me as a whole, thanks to these beautiful people.

Even though our relationships will be put to the test through time and distance, we have all been through enough difficult times to the point where we can get through this as well. I have faith in them, as they have faith in me. Months can roll on by, but I do not fear losing my best friends.

For them, to say that I am thankful would never be saying enough. They are not my best friends, they are my family. And even though I am excited to make new friends, that does not mean I will be replacing my old ones. They may be in college, but they are still in my heart. Our goodbyes were not goodbyes, they were "see you laters."