Hey.

I know you know this, but there's only a couple more days we have together, until you leave and I only see you as a friend from my past. So, I wanted to write you this letter.

Before I met you, I was scared out of my mind. I didn't know what to expect from you—I didn't know what you'd be like, how we would get along, how you would treat me. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about.

Because of you, I was able to experience the many positive cliches that usually happen to people my age. I met so many great people, joined clubs that I always wanted to join in high school, and most importantly, had fun.

However, I think I accurately speak for both of us when I say it wasn't all fun and rainbows. There were sometimes that you made life really hard for me. You tested me, I cursed you out, but then we always ended up forgiving each other; however, in the end, I think our relationship was a healthy one—we both respected each other, and you knew how far you could push me and what I could handle. Because of you, I found out what I was truly capable of.

So, thank you. Thank you for introducing me to some beautiful and wonderful friends, and thank you for the experiences I was able to experience because of you. But, most importantly, thank you for giving me the chance to discover that while something may be extremely stressful, it can be equally as rewarding and fun. Because of you, the next three years have a lot to live up to, but I know that because of what you taught me, I will be ready for whatever bad or happy things are in store.

I will miss you.

Dana