I was somewhat skeptical when people told me I would meet my best friends in college. I didn’t think that you could become so close to people you had just met. However, here I am, with six of the most wonderful women I get to call my people.

Although we have come from different backgrounds and different places, we all have something very important in common: our love for one another.

In just under a month, the seven of us we will be packing up our things from the sorority house, going our separate ways for the summer, and saying goodbye to sophomore year. In three months, you six will be moving back to college, decorating your new place, excited to start your junior year.

But, for the first time, I won’t be there.

Thinking about the reality of not seeing your faces every day, the constant giggles, food runs, and homework seshes is hard. However, it has made me realize how truly grateful I am for all of you along with the memories we have made throughout the past year.

Before I make the big transfer, I wanted to write you guys this letter to express my gratitude for all that you’ve done for me and the impact you’ve had on my life.

I don’t think people take the time to fully acknowledge and thank their best friends enough. I ask myself where I would be without my six college best friends and I honestly don’t know.

First of all, thank you for accepting me as I am. For holding my hand when I make a mistake and guiding me in the right direction when I’m lost. For loving my immature, crazy self and always laughing with me (even if my joke isn’t as funny as I think it is.)

You guys let me be me and allow me to feel so much like myself when I’m with you. You don’t make me put on any fronts because I know I can be myself.

Thank you for always being there. Thank you for never allowing me to feel alone and for always being a shoulder to cry on. Thank you for sharing so many moments with me. The happiest moments where we are laughing so hard our tummies hurt. And the saddest moments in which you show me endless compassion and empathy when I need it.

Thank you for being you. You each are so special in your own ways and you all make the world a better place just by being in it.

You make the happy days a little better, and the saddest days a little easier.

I am so excited to tell your future husbands how incredible each of you are and how crazy lucky they got.

Kiersten, my little ray of sunshine, please don’t lose your positive attitude. Bayley, keep being understanding, compassionate, and selfless. Rachel, don’t lose your carefree and fun spirit. Natalie, keep on giggling. Liv, continue working hard and being a good mama to Louie. Shelby, never stop smiling and continue loving more fiercely than anyone I know.

Thank you for the laughs, for the cries, and for everything in between. You guys have set the bar so high for friendships. Thank you for making it almost impossible to find other friends who are as special as you are.

I know that when we see each other again, we will pick up right where we left off. That is what best friends do. I cannot wait to see what you girls accomplish in the final two years of college, and I can’t wait to be closer together when we all finish.

Forever and Always,

Your best friend