I want to first thank you all for the times you listened to me cry over the same guys who we all knew weren't good enough for me. If it weren't for you all, I wouldn’t have been able to move on as quickly and efficiently. You knew I deserved better, yet at times I couldn’t see that myself. Anytime I would go back to the wrong guy you still supported me even if you didn’t like him. Thank you for the long nights we both stayed up crying and venting to each other. Those were much needed. Also, thank you for when you would give me the relationship advice I needed, even if I ignored it. In the end you were always right, and sometimes I found that out the hard way.

I don’t say it enough but I really do love you. It will be hard that I’m going to be 65 to 820 miles away from our hometown, but I’ll always be a phone or Skype call away. Some of us aren’t as close as we used to be, but my love for you hasn’t changed. All of you have stayed during the good and the bad times. I know I’m a lot to handle at times, I’m such a lucky girl to have friends like you. I hope to see you when I come back to visit good ol' Pekin, Illinois. Or vice versa you are all more than welcome to visit me while I'm in Macomb any time you'd like!

I appreciate all the times you were totally honest to me. Whether it came from you or if you knew some information you knew would make me upset. Or the times my outfit did not look the best or telling me what I needed to hear. I didn’t always react to this news the best, but you were all there for when I needed you the most. Any problem I had you were there to help me through it. This could be solving an algebra problem, needing advice or what I was going to wear for the day. You were my moms, therapists, doctors, teachers and best friends all in one.

We have had our up and downs but I wouldn’t want to go through them with anyone else. Yes, we used to get into arguments and ignore each other. In the end we realized how much we needed each other and would make up anyways. Even if we were fighting we both knew if the other was having problems we could talk to each other about it. Growing up with all of you made us all understand that fighting and giving each other the silent treatment isn’t worth it. We are grown-ups now and if were are mad we talk it out.

I'll never forget those late nights we stayed up either driving around town, watching scary movies, playing Uno or prank calling our crushes. Thank you for making me get out of my house even when I wanted to stay in my bed watching "Grey's Anatomy." I did have more fun like you all told me I would, even though you made me leave on a cliff hanger episode! I look back in my high school memories and are glad I spent them by your side. This includes the Friday night football games dressing up for the fire pit to represent our team.

We are all growing up which means we are taking different paths. Some of us are moving across the country, staying home or moving away for college. I’m proud of all of you for the adults we turned into. I can’t wait to hear how amazing college or the end of high school is for you! I know we all will continue to be best friends throughout the rest of our lives. I am really sad we won't be able to see each other as much as we want to. That's why I will always cherish the times we have spent together.

Thank you for everything you do, even if I don’t seem like I appreciate it, I really do.