In high school, I had an incredible group of friends. For everything from Friendsgiving to Spring Break trips, I was so blessed to have a great bunch of people to make memories with. Going to college, I dreaded leaving my friends, but excitedly anticipated the arrival of a new amazing group.

Boy, did I have too high of expectations.

First semester, I made a few good friends. I didn't sit in my room alone or feel like I had nothing and no one, but I didn't feel connected either. I didn't feel immersed. Seeing other people posting pictures with groups of people they claimed to be their "best friends forever" made me feel like I did the first six months of college radically wrong.

I couldn't wait to go home to visit my high school friends because they made me feel like I belong. Conversations with them were easy and not forced. I could be myself and wasn't afraid of being judged. I cried when I thought about coming back to school because to me it meant that I'd be returning to a place where I didn't think I'd ever fit in. I was bookmarking transfer applications on the internet like it was my job.

Then, after Christmas break, you all came along and everything changed.

I can't even begin to put into words what your friendships have done for me. The amount of unique strength each and every one of you has is insanely inspiring. You all are so talented in your own way, and you all have such a wide range of passions, yet we all seem to fit together. I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be your friend, and I have no clue what I did to deserve such wonderful people like you. Like I said, I couldn't ever fully explain why you mean so much to me, but I'll still give it a try.

Friends, you've changed my life because:

You are understanding when I need a night to myself, but you are also right there when I need companionship.

You know that, "I really need to study," is code for, "Shut up and leave me alone."

You encourage me to chase my dreams.

You are willing to talk about everything from politics to SpongeBob quotes, and you regard both with equal importance.

You listen without judgement when I talk about my darkest times and biggest insecurities.

You'll stay up all night talking about crazy conspiracies with me.

You pick me up when I'm scared to walk home alone.

You'll do homework with me in coffee shops on the weekends.

You'll go to church with me on Sundays and get brunch with me after.

You're always ready for an adventure.

You never forsake the importance of a good dance party.

You remind me how to love others well.

You're my biggest hype squad, whether I am dressed to the nines or hanging out in my pajamas.

You never miss a beat when we jam, whether we're listening to rap, alt, country, or old-time rock-n-roll.

You remind me that instead of always taking life seriously, I should laugh it off when I make silly mistakes.

You understand how important it is to get away sometimes and play with dogs.

You're who I want to spend time with even when I'm not on campus.

You encourage me to run an extra mile AND eat an extra cookie. That's so special.

You aren't afraid to be THE MOST extra when necessary (it's ALWAYS necessary).

You let me steal from your closet like it's mine.

You never let me feel stupid when I cry to you.

You encourage me to be confident, but you also know when to keep me in check.

You remind me what's for me will not pass me.

You make sure I know what I deserve, and you refuse to let me settle for less.

Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being you, and for encouraging me to be me. Thank you for teaching me that home isn't the location, it's the people.

Lastly, thank you for transforming school from a place I never wanted to be into a place I never want to leave.

"I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them." -Andy Bernard, The Office