This goes out to all my people. The ones across the country, those a few states over, and the ones a zipcar ride away. Being away at college makes me appreciate my home squad, fellow camp lovers, and of course family.

From a camp crew of four girls to a tight nit home group of seven, one could truly say that I believe in quality over quantity. If you know me, you know I love the company of others. Not that I mind being alone…but I enjoy being surrounded by those who can laugh with me and more often than not, laugh at me.

I come from a sleepover every weekend with bagel spreads in the morning, Hamptons mother daughter weekends where bottles of wine are always finished, and fully stocked pantry’s that are constantly destroyed.

I come from a lodge roof star gazing, color war competing (sometimes a bit too much), kangaroo court whip creaming, Jacobs and Gordon cup jersey repping, clothing stealing, under the tent eating, canteen ice cream devouring, story telling, and bathroom stall signing.

My current state consists of apartment living, library going, music bumping, tailgate jumping, state street strolling, late night eating, visitor pleasing, Instagram overloading, schedule making, and frat theme dressing. You could say life is far from boring…

Through all of the stressful days, busy nights and miles apart I have GroupMe, iMessage, and Facetime to thank. My core four, sumo, and fam feel much closer than a simple phone screen when every night’s story is still told, good news is always shared, and someone is still telling me “everything will be okay.” My rocks, other halves, and go to people remain the most important part of my life no matter what state, time zone, or class I am in.

Now, I am blessed with the rallying, feasting, chilling, cuddling, movie watching, joke telling, and rant listening girls I call my best college friends. To my inseparable best friend of a freshman and current roomie, to my current 365 camp friend that knows everything about me, and hometown girl that I just can’t seem to get enough of, I have a piece of Jericho, Shandaken, and anywhere else that could be considered home.

Although hello texts are not as good as face to face yogurt and such dates, my gratefulness to have people I countdown to seeing can not be expressed through words. Despite the struggle of long distance relationships, it is true that ones’ heart grows fonder.

So for those not too many miles away, a stair case schlep down or up, or an airport security line wait apart from me, know that I still talk about our travel to sandy toes, getting a little too caught up on girls’ side alma mater night, and the most hug-giving home one could live in.

You all truly are the best…