Dear Traveling Friend,

Over the past year and a half, we've become pretty good friends. You were one of the first people I really connected with in college, thanks to the theater group on campus, the Thespians.

In our friend group, we've laughed together, cried together, and ranted - a lot - together. It's been so great getting to know you, especially over this past semester.

But now, you're leaving to go study abroad until May. While our friends and myself will be stuck in snowy State College, you'll be thousands of miles across the ocean studying in Italy.

And I, like many of our mutual friends, have been in denial about you leaving us for four months. But now, the time has come. You've packed your bags, your passport is set, and by the time everyone reads this, you'll be in another country.

And that's gonna suck.

Seriously, we're all gonna miss you so much. But I don't want you to think about that. You already know we're gonna miss you just as you're going to miss us.

Instead, I want you to have the time of your life. I know that that's a given; You're gonna be in Italy, how couldn't you? Being around the food, the art, and the history is all going to be surreal for you.

But if and when homesickness strikes, I want you to know that all of your friends will be rooting for you from the states. Just remember this: we are all so proud of you.

It makes me so happy to see you embarking on this new adventure in this chapter of your life. I remember how much you wanted to travel abroad this year, and how excited you were when you found out you were going to Italy for the spring.

You are so passionate about traveling and learning about other cultures, and this opportunity doesn't come to a lot of people. I know how grateful you are to be opening up a new and exciting chapter in your life, and you deserve every bit of this experience.

In short, I'm proud of you for putting in the work that's allowing you to go on this journey. You'll learn so much and see so many incredible things, and I'll be so jealous seeing all the amazing photos you'll be taking in my mother country.

And don't worry, your friends aren't going anywhere. We'll stay in touch while you get your taste of Italy. You better tell us all about your travels when you get back.

Ciao,

A Proud Friend

P.S. I'll do my best to take care of Meg while you're gone. Love you, girl.