Dear friend,

You know who you are. I’m writing to you because I think you deserve recognition and a pat on the back for everything you’re sacrificing in order to achieve a dream you’ve had since you were a little boy.

Before emphasizing the respect I have for you, I want to thank you for being one of my closest friends. If you think back to freshman, sophomore, and even junior year, I don’t think either of us could have ever imagined being as close as we are today.

I remember one of the very first conversations we had was the one in which you told me about your desire to join the Coast Guard. I was floored by your aspiration and dedication to pursue such a dream. One that you knew would take away from the freedom all teenagers look forward to after high school.

Our generation today has lost sight of what it means to truly work for what we want. Instead, we have become accustomed to the idea that anything and everything will simply land right in front of us. But not you. You know that success won’t come easy and that’s why you’re currently starting your days at 4 a.m. dressed in uniform and ready to push yourself to any limit.

Here I am, a student-athlete, thinking it’s the end of the world if I can’t have a regular social life ONE Friday night. Selfishly, I’ll complain about it to you and then realize there must be days that you feel like giving up altogether.

Months will pass that I know I won’t see you or even speak to you but I know that years down the road I’ll always have you to thank for giving me the motivation and optimism I need to work for my success. Through the struggle, the sadness, the goodbyes, and the nostalgia of how great things used to be before we all separated, you’ll always be a reminder of what’s important in life and the strength it takes to get through it.

You’ve taught me how to say “I’ll see you later”, how communicating through letters can add more meaning to a conversation, and how courage will last a lifetime.

At the end of the day, you’re living a dream you’ve always had for yourself. Many of us choose to take the easier route in hopes of achieving our future goals-attend a prestigious institution, study, party, study some more, sleep, party. But now is your time to fully take advantage of the experience you’ve worked so hard to earn, and prioritize your dreams because in the long run, that’s what will matter the most.

Thank you for everything you’re sacrificing. Don’t think we never acknowledge it. We envy your bravery.