Do you remember your first crush? I do as if I fell for my crush yesterday.

It all happened when my parents moved my family and me to Ukraine, Kiev. I went to an international school and met such amazing friends who were very international and outgoing. This place is what changed me and changed who I was.

I used to be a shy girl and I learned to be myself and not be afraid of that. I joined sports, I made many friends, and the best part was when I fell for a boy named Robert. I was in the 5th grade and there was something about this boy that just made me so happy. Of course, we were young, but I remember everything as if it was yesterday. I remember seeing him at recess and watching him play soccer. I remember the day of my track meet and looking out at the crowd and seeing him there. I remember when he let me bring his jackets home or let me wear them outside. I was that girl who refused to ever give up on him. He was from Estonia and I was from New York, but yet we met in Ukraine. I could go on all day with saying " I remember," but I'm not going to. However, I'm going to tell you why I care so much for him to this day.

It has been over eight years and it is insane that I am writing this down because it went by so fast. I remember the last day of school before we both moved and left Ukraine. What made me fall for him over the years was him always being there for me no matter what. Being somebody who travels and moves around constantly, it can get hard staying in touch with people. The one person who never once left my side was Robert. I could tell him about me struggling with school or tell him about my first real boyfriend and he would listen, give me advice and respect me. We would go months without talking and then one of us would write one another and say, "I miss you." We would go on about our lives and it is insane how even until now, we still could talk for hours.

I now live in New York City and he now lives in Norway. We live so far away but that is fine because he is doing what he loves and I am doing what I love. We aren't going to let anything stop us from our dreams and our goals that we have wanted for years. We know one day we are going to see each other again, but in the meantime, all we can do now is talk and not lose touch. He will always tell me how proud he is of me and I always tell him the same. We are miles away, but yet he is the closest person to me.

If I had to tell you what love is, I would tell you that it is something that comes naturally and it is with somebody you trust, be silly with, and talk to them about everything and not feel weird or scared. You can fall for someone at any age and it is the greatest feeling being able to grow with someone. Even though I have not seen him in so many years, it doesn't matter because he is the same guy I knew back then, but just older. I care for him even more than I did any other day.

So, Robert, if you're reading this, which I know you will be, you are an amazing guy and I am glad I can call you my best friend. I'm always going to be there for you just like I know you're always going to be there for me.