To my friends studying abroad,
One of the hardest things to do is say goodbye. When you see people so much that it becomes a routine in your day, then you know that you have found a few special people in your lives. And in a matter of weeks, with the new semester starting, they will be removed from your daily routine for a while, and boy, is it going to suck.
I already dread the day when I will have to say goodbye to you, and hold back the tears as I think about the following 16, or so, weeks that I will not be able to see you every day. The thought of not being able to grab our morning coffee, the late night study dates, or the days we spend together after we know we inevitably just bombed that test and we need the largest size of queso to make up for it.
I dread the memories that will be made without you, but I know the ones that we have made will hold steadfast, and the memories we make when you get back will be stronger. One of the most cliché sayings ever is, “Distance makes the heart grow fonder,” and I guess that’s a pretty fitting quote for you going abroad.
I already know I am probably going to hate the new friends you make abroad. It is not because I am an evil and spiteful person, but because for sixteen weeks they take will take my spot in your life. When I visit you, I will be sure that I remind them that I was your friend first and that they need to back off. In fact, I will probably play Beyoncé’s "Irreplaceable" multiple times so they know I cannot be replaced.
I am anticipating the late night FaceTimes we will have because of the time differences, but I know that the few minutes I get to talk to you will be better than those few extra minutes of sleep -- something we both know that I value above more than anything. Be prepared for me to send you links of things that I saw, and for me to call you asking if you want to come over, only after I realize that is not possible.
The thought of you leaving honestly terrifies me. Who will be there to protect you? Who will be there to console you after you bomb that test? Who will be there to write that risky text message that you do not want to send? Who will be there to publicly humiliate you in the most inconvenient times possible? But with you leaving shortly, I must put those worries to rest. I know you are capable, strong, and completely competent and able to hold your own, and I am so proud of that.
So, as you read this, know that I am not sad about the times we will not have together, but the memories we will make when you return. I promise I will never be able to find someone to take your spot in the next semester of you being abroad, and I am 100 percent certain nobody can take my spot. So while you are wherever you may go, know that I am with you and that you better show them how awesome you are.
Safe travels,
Your best friend
