We have survived our first year of college apart. There were ups and downs on our separate roller-coaster rides, but the one thing that is still intact is our friendship. I have been through a lot in just one year that I am still surprised I did it without your shoulders to cry on 24/7. I have been rejected twice for dance, which is something I love to do. I failed to get two jobs I really wanted. I also received some of my first F's on assignments. College is tough without your jokes and support, that I did not know if you guys were feeling the same way.

Recently, I talked to some of you and discovered the things we were going through were similar. For example, we both had roommate problems and stress with academics and majors. I was so surprised that even though we were far apart, I realized that no matter what, you will always be my forever friends. I had two incidents with my roommates. The first roommate I had did not like me so she made up an excuse and left. The second roommate left me all by myself alone in the dorm crying myself to sleep making me think I did something wrong. Throughout the course of my second semester, I was struggling with my grades. My department expected a lot from me with my writing skills and knowledge of business, which resulted in some failing grades.

My social life was also rocky. I have a big group of friends up at college, but a few of them acted like they were still in high school. I had to deal with people who could not be their own person and make decisions on their own because one person guilt-tripped them into not doing what they wanted to do. I have dealt with some backstabbing and stupidity that makes me miss you all so very much. All year I was looking for a friendship like the one we all had together. I am jealous of all of the groups of friends around my small campus and how close they all are. There are so many people I wish were my friends, but they have a friend I feel like I would not find a connection with. This is when I realize that you all are my forever friends and no one can replace you in my heart . I have made a few friends that I know I will be friends with for a long time, but you are still close to my heart. We all have heard of the saying “You will find your lifelong friends in college,” but that was not the case for us. My lifelong friends are the ones I made in high school, nothing will change that.

I am confident our sophomore year will bring a lot of success for us. No matter the hardships and obstacles that we are faced with on a daily basis, it will make us stronger people in society. I plan to grow from freshman year and I hope you do as well. We have to work hard to get the results we want. I will not let the bad experiences take over my talent and energy to be successful. Go into the new year with a fresh mind, so you can give yourself and others a second chance.

Thank you for all that you have done for me for the last seven years as some of the most awesome people on the planet. I cannot wait to see what comes to us during our second year on our journey to the real working world.

Sincerely yours forever.