To some of the greatest people I have ever met,
When I think of my transition into college, one poignant sad memory sticks in my head. The girls in my hall got extremely close very fast, and I felt like I wasn't on that level with them yet. It was probably a week into school, and I remember sitting at my desk eating chicken nuggets by myself for dinner, listening to their laughs out in the hall as they left to go to the dining hall together. It sounds like a pathetic scene from a bad 90s movie, but, in that moment, I had never felt so alone and homesick as I cried into my greasy dinner. Going to school I left behind the best friends anyone could ask for, and I found it hard to believe I would be able to find people like that at my new home. So I'm writing to you, the people who I wouldn't have survived my freshman year without, to thank you for transforming me from greasy-solo-dinner-crying girl to happy-90s-movie-ending girl.
The real keepers don't come easily. You need to weed your way through potential BFFs, until you find the ones who won't judge you for eating ice cream for dinner or going out on a Monday night. When you're thrown into an unfamiliar situation--like going away to college--it's instinct to cling to the first people you get along with. My first friends at school will always hold a special place in my heart, but truly finding my people took time. I don't know how it happened, but I can honestly say I have found my 3 A.M. friends--the ones who are there no matter the day or time.
So here I am today, sitting at home counting down the days until we reunite, wanting to thank you for everything you have taught me and done for me. For fully embracing the "my-room-is-your-room" attitude when I was having many mental break downs after 2 A.M.. For having my back through a bad break up, and making me realize the kinds of people I really need in my life. For never letting me eat a meal - or dessert - alone. Thank you for supporting my reality TV addiction and attentively watching the Caitlyn Jenner special with me. For walking me to the Health Center in the middle of the night because I thought I was going blind. For dealing with other random overreactions like the aforementioned. For delivering a phone charger (and snacks) to the lib when I'm cramming for a test--and knowing when to send a good luck text for said test. For being my mom at school, and telling it how it is when I'm clearly in the wrong.
You have made me a better person in the short time I've had to know you, and for that I give the biggest thank you. Going into school I did not imagine finding such compassionate, silly, or open-minded people as the ones I luckily surround myself with today. Keep doing you, because you're definitely doing it right.
With love, I'll see you soon.
