To Whom It May Concern,

High school is said to be some of the best years of our lives. Thanks to you, I can happily agree.

As high school drew to a close, I could feel friendships beginning to fade. We are all going our separate ways, after all. Some of you are going to schools out of state. While others are going to a state school or community college. Others may be going directly into a trade or a few of you are even still in high school. Regardless of where you will be at the end of summer, know that you'll always have a place in my heart. From the people I talked to on the daily to those I only spoke to in class, everyone of you has impacted my life in one way or another.

I was doing my college shopping and it all suddenly became so surreal. I'm leaving to go and live on my own for the first time. I'm not going to be surrounded by the same people I've been with for the past 12 years. It's all really overwhelming. I have to learn how to live on my own, how to make a schedule for myself, and even how to do laundry (Sorry mom and dad for not doing laundry at home). Everything is about to change. Part of me is excited and ready to move onto the next chapter in my life, while part of me is absolutely terrified.

What if I can't make friends? What if I don't end up liking me major? What if the school I chose isn't the one for me? These are questions I ask myself on the daily. However, the amazing memories I've made throughout high school have always helped calm my nerves.

I am so thankful to have amazing friends like you that I've grown up with. From late night runs to the local fast food joint to late nights up at someone's house arguing over how to pay for pizza, I can honestly say that high school without my group of friends would have been miserable.

While moving on is absolutely terrifying, I think I'm ready thanks to all the life lessons I've learned from you. I've learned how to put others before myself. I've learned that sometimes listening to what other people say is beneficial in the long run. I've learned to take every moment I have and to savor it. The memories I've made with you are ones that will stick with me for a lifetime because they have help guide me on my way.

Sometimes I fear that after we all move on to bigger and better things, we will lose touch with each other. Everything will change during college, but all I do know for sure is that those of you who are my true friends will always be here. It doesn't matter what part of the country we are in or what our intended career is. The only thing that matters is our love and friendship with each other. Without love for each other, what really is a friendship?

I've been so lucky and so fortunate to have friends that accept me and all of my crazy antics. I know I will find that at the college I chose as well. It's just going to be different. I don't have the same few people I can always rely on.

From the moments we moved our tassels over our heart, our lives has forever changed. Graduation is not the end, it is the beginning of the future. It's the beginning of the rest of our lives. It's the start of something amazing. So, I'd just like to say thank you to those who have impacted me and those who will continue to impact me. Without you, I would not be the person I am today.

Sincerely,

Your High School Best Friend.

P.S. I Love You