Elisabeth Foley once said, "The most beautiful discovery true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." This can often be a difficult task as friends face the reality of going separate ways for college. I'm lucky enough to have found friends for which this statement applies and this is my letter to them.

Friends,

As I went away for my first year of college, I was fearful of what the distance would do to our friendship, but I think that the quote above is right. We've each grown and matured in our own way this year, going through different struggles and joys, but as we've learned and grown from those individually our friendship has only become stronger.

I've been through a lot of ups and downs this year and through it all your friendship has stayed constant. No matter the distance, you've always been there for me. Even if we don't talk for weeks or sometimes even months, I know that when I come home our friendship will pick up right where it left off.

So, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for being willing to go on crazy adventures with me. Thanks for laughing with me when I trip and fall. Thank you for all the inside jokes, laughter and memories. Thanks for understanding me and my goofy self.

Thank you for all the text messages that make me feel cherished as you ask me how I am and for the consistent encouragement and prayers. Thanks for the countless words of wisdom and advice that point me to Jesus in every situation and for holding my hand and drying my tears when I cry. Thank you for always being people I know I can count on.

The list could go on and on, but most importantly, thanks for loving, accepting and caring for me just the way I am. Words can't express my gratitude for you guys.

This summer has had its fair share of hard times, blissful moments, and tears of both joy and sorrow, but your friendship has helped to make it one of the best ones yet. Even though the thought of moving back to school is bittersweet, I'm excited to continue growing closer together this year as we mature and expand on our own.

In the words of Meredith Grey, "You're my people" and I can't imagine living life without you guys.

I love you lots.