To my girls:

One of my biggest fears coming to college was making a new “friend group.” I was afraid that I could never love my new college friends the way I love my friends from my hometown, that nobody here could possibly understand me the way my old friends do. I know this is something that so many college freshmen feel similarly about, but it still scared me nonetheless.

Something I have realized is that I am a jealous person. So when I came to a school where people I had previously known attend, and watched them meet these amazing people and have so much fun, it completely devastated me. Why wasn’t it happening for me like that? What was wrong with me? Am I really that unlikeable? I felt that because I didn’t meet my friends as fast as them, it somehow made me lesser of a person, which I know now is completely ridiculous. After all, slow and steady wins the race.

Eventually, as things do, it all fell into place. I felt like a piece of me was missing before I met you, girls. You all are making my college experience so amazing — something I will cherish forever. I was never the girl in high school who had a big group of best friends. I always considered myself a “floater”: I had my two best friends who I could always count on, and then mingled with a lot of other people, too. I always had people to socialize with, but I never felt truly included all that often. Coming to college I hoped that this situation would change, and I am so happy that it did.

Whether we sit in the library “studying,” take trips for ice cream in thirty-degree weather, get ready for a night out, or run through Walmart (a.k.a Wally World) like crazy people, you guys make everything better. You get my strange sense of humor and know when I need a hug just by the expression on my face. You never judge me for the awful things I sometimes say and do, because we are all kind of equally terrible. You guys even like my music, and that says a lot.

It’s strange how we have only known each other for a few months, but somehow it feels like years. Even if we just sit in a silent room together, it's comfortable, and I think that’s important. I want you all to know that I appreciate all that you do and all that you are. I want you all to know that I am here for you, always, no questions asked. I want you all to know that you’ve become just like sisters to me.

So I just want to say thank you. Thank you for making this school my new home, a safe haven, a place I didn’t think ever existed. You’ve seen my highest highs and my lowest lows, and somehow, you’ve stuck around. I am endlessly grateful for you girls.

Xoxo,