She was born in Cuba and I was born in Spain. She likes to watch "Gossip Girl" and I like to watch "South Park." She's a Gator and I'm a Panther.

Yelan and I met when we were 11 years old and in the sixth grade. It wasn't until we were 13 that we really hit it off and became undeniably close. Eight years of friendship and eight years of ups and downs, and today, we stand strong as ever. By the time our senior year rolled around, we had to make one of the biggest choices in our lives: where to go to college. I chose to stay in Miami and attend Florida International University, and Yelan chose to move to Gainesville and go to the University of Florida. We knew that being apart wouldn't be easy, but in many ways, the distance has actually strengthened our friendship rather than hindered it.

You'll miss birthdays...

I'm known for dedicating an entire weekend to my birthday. Unfortunately, my birthday comes around midterms, and because of it, Yelan couldn't come down to visit. When Yelan's 20th birthday came around, I couldn't visit nor come down, and we were forced to congratulate each other through heartfelt text messages.

But you'll still have holidays

Missing birthdays suck, but I know that I'll still see my best friend at Thanksgiving and Christmas when she comes down to visit family. Sure, our time will be limited, but it'll make it all so special.

You're hundreds of miles apart...

Distance sucks. It sucks when you're going through a tough time and need your best friend's shoulder to cry on, but she's too far away. It sucks when you look at your Insta feed and see everyone and their best friends hanging out together -- but your soul sister is six hours away.

But you'll grow stronger

The distance will teach you that you don't need to live close to each other in order to remain close. The distance will teach you how to appreciate each other's company, and it will teach you to never let the petty things get in the way of a valuable sisterhood.

You'll go days without talking...

College is a busy time. We're juggling jobs, significant others, school, and internships. Sometimes we can't stop the whirlpool of events to speak to each other, and that's normal. The days that you don't have time to speak to one another will be heart-wrenching, but it's something that is all too common.

But when you do, you'll have so much to catch up on

When Yelan comes down to visit, we sit and talk for hours and catch up on absolutely everything. You'll find that there isn't enough time in the world, and you'll realize that there will never be a dull moment with the conglomeration of stories.

You'll miss each other...

This is the worst part. There are days that I think to myself, "It would all be so much easier if Yelan was here with me," and those are the days that you'll really miss your best friend. There are no words to describe what missing your other half is like, but you gotta hang in there.

But you'll love each other

The past year has taught me that distance does not ruin friendships. Distance can strengthen them. Although at times it's extremely difficult to be away from my best friend, I know that our sisterlike bond will never break.