To the people who have truly been there through the best and worst of times:
I never expected to find such caring, intelligent, and inspiring people and I can't even begin to express in words just how thankful I am for you guys.
Personally, freshman year into the beginning of sophomore year was a huge learning experience. Not only was it a time to build a home away from home, it was also a time of confusion. In fact, I had no idea what to expect at the end of it all and in such a strange way, I'm glad I went in thinking that way. Life was moving too quickly to dwell on expectations and that made it that much easier to focus on the appreciations.
There were moments when I felt alone in one of the most crowded cities and I couldn't really pinpoint why until now. I had met plenty of amazing people during my first year, but it wasn't the same connection as the one I have with you all. This time last year, we clicked over our cravings for french fries AND we understood that sometimes it is normal to crave a salad (we're still slowly figuring that part out). We began to understood that bad days are inevitable. But, how we choose to handle those bad days is completely up to us. In fact, I have become the best version of myself because of you all. You guys give me more than a friendship. You guys give me motivation, hope, joy, and endless amounts of laughter.
I feel like I can conquer anything with you all by my side especially on my worst days because of our memories.
Do you remember when we planned to grab coffee but ended up in two different coffee shops because we weren't clear on the exact location? Do you remember when we would meet up on Wednesday's to go eat $1 sandwiches in between our classes? Do you remember when we jammed out to a throwback playlist and danced our hearts out? Do you remember when even on our worst days, we stuck it out for each other?
I do and that's what I will hold onto forever. I call my family back home to talk about you guys. I also tell my best friends from high school just how badly I want them to meet you all because there is nothing better than having the people you care for the most come together.
For the days you feel lost, hopeless, and exhausted, I'm going to tell you what you all told me: don't give up on your dreams. You are all where you are today because of these feelings from the past. The small issues that bothered you when you were 10 years old have no impact now. As someone who cares for you tremendously, I will be with you every step of the way. I'll do my best to lift you up when you need inspiration. I'll do my best to tell you embarrassing stories to make you laugh. Lastly, I'll do my best to give what you have all given me.
There's no guarantee that life gets easier and with this, time goes on even when we don't want it to.. but I promise that there's nothing we can't conquer together.
Friendships, such as the ones I have with you all, come once in a lifetime and I refuse to let that go. To the ones who continue to help me strive to be better, I love you so much. Thanks for being you.
