You know the phrase “if you love someone then you should set them free?” I couldn’t agree more.

But why is it so hard?

Love is the most precious gift that the world has to offer. It ties in kindness, friendship, trust, love, respect, and beauty all into one big present. It is the most amazing feeling that one can experience in this world whether it be for God, family, friends, or romantic partners. Telling someone you love them should not be a tossed-around phrase, and those three beautiful words can show someone that they are not alone in this crazy world.

As the school year comes to a close, I always tend to get very emotional. I will have random crying sessions in my bedroom before I go to bed, terrified of the year to come without the graduating class. It is hard to grow up; I get why Peter Pan did not want to do it. I think it is even harder watching someone else you love grow up though.

I have been very close with the class above me in high school. Many of my friends are graduating this year, and it is hard for me to process. It is surreal to think that I won’t be going to school with some of my best friends next year. Of course, I have amazing friends both my same age and younger that will be there for me, and I care just the same for them as these older kids. However, there are certain friendships I have made and memories created with the class of 2017 that make it so hard for me to accept the fact that their time has come to move onto a new stage of their life.

Learning to let someone you love go is harder than learning how to love them. By the time you have a bond that you feel is irreplaceable, it may be time for them to take a different road. Maybe you’re not on that path. It is a difficult pill to swallow. But loving someone, no matter how long you get the chance to do it, is worth every second. Love is rare in this world, and it shouldn't be taken for granted no matter what situation it is placed in.

In less than 34 days, some of my best friends will be walking across a stage, receiving their diploma, and I will have to come to the realization that I will be a senior next year without this group of people. I'm beyond proud and happy for them, and no matter what path they choose after high school, I will be cheering them on, even if it means I'm not there beside them. It would be selfish for me to beg them to stay. All I can do is love them with all my heart and know that everyone comes into your life for a reason. Letting people go is a difficult and scary time, but this class will always be some of my best friends in the entire world. I wouldn't give our friendship up even if it spared tears and tough goodbyes.