"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." — Amy Poehler

Walking into high school, I had maybe two friends. Throughout my four years, my friend group has grown, changed (multiple times) and subsequently shrunk.

Walking out of high school, I have two best friends that I trust with my life, and I couldn’t be happier.

Every teenager struggles with identity. It’s easy to feel alone, which is why when you find someone that compliments you in a way that makes it easier to be yourself, you should hold on as tight as you can.

Sometimes, there are people that you just click with. It’s really hard to explain, but when you meet these people, you know. Some people just match your weirdness, and it’s easy to open up and just be yourself around them.

There was a moment that I had a few weeks ago when I was in the car with my best friend after school and we were drinking coffee and yell-singing to Big Time Rush and I realized, I was happy.

Without knowing, having her support I grew so much as a person.

She’s taught me so much just by being there for me in a way that no one has before. I know that no matter what, she’s there. Whenever I’ve had a bad day or was stressed or upset, she’s been there.

She taught me to stand up for myself in a way that no one ever has. I’m not scared to go after what I want because she’s always there to tell me the truth and help me through whatever trials I may face.

I’m finally with people who make me a better person whenever I’m around them. They help me be the best “me” that I can.

I never knew it, but I had been in the dark my entire life. I’ve always been worried about what other people thought, and I always thought that I had to make sure that my friends were happy or else they wouldn’t want to be around me.

Whenever I was unhappy, or if they upset me, I never thought that I could address it or they’d be upset.

I’ll let you in on a secret: any friendship or relationship that can be ruined by talking about feelings or expectations isn’t worth it. There isn’t much to ruin.

By finding people that inspire me to be the best version of myself while also simultaneously helping them reach their goals, my life and mental health improved so much more than when I was relying on a boyfriend or myself.

To my best friends that helped me become the “me” I am today, thank you. You helped me in more ways than you probably know.