It wasn't until the first semester of sophomore year when we were both at the same sorority rush event when we truly clicked. You were someone I had met through an ex-boyfriend of mine a few months prior, but someone I knew nothing about besides your name and where you lived on campus. We sat near each other at each rush event, exchanged numbers, and even went out together. Little did I know then that you would become someone I couldn't begin to imagine living without in just a few short weeks.

There are so many labels that I could associate you with but no word, no phrase, no quote can even come close to explaining what you mean to me or how you have changed my life. Being away from school my freshman year was tough to adjust to; I missed my friends from home, my family, my safe place. I wanted to rush a sorority to find my home away from home, my safe haven. I cannot even begin to thank greek life for bringing the two of us together.

First things first, I know it’s impossible for you to see yourself the way the rest of the world does, but you are without a doubt the most inspirational person that I am blessed to have by my side at school. Your strength could put Hercules to shame; you’ve been through more hardships and triumph than anyone our age should and you still manage to hold it all together, or you make it seem like you do, which is even more astounding. You amaze me every single day with the adversity and pride that glows from within you. You are so much more than the quiet, but ambitious girl from a small town. You are kind, genuine, supportive, understanding, resilient, independent, and accepting, and can undoubtedly achieve anything you set your mind to. You motivate me to be a better sister, a better daughter, a better person, but most importantly a better friend to you. Your beauty and intelligence radiates from your pores and your smile is more contagious than the flu. Never ever forget that you are capable of so much more than you know.

Thank you for being the girl who has literally picked me up off the dance floor and wiped my tears from my face. You never shy away from reminding me of my self-worth when I’m too stubborn to see it myself. You have been there through the heartbreaks and bad days and always know exactly what to do and say. Thank you for welcoming me home with tears welling in my eyes with a plate full of homemade poutine (our favorite late night dish) and a bottomless glass of wine. You are the best listener even when you really don’t want to be. You are my therapist on my worst days and always deliver the best pick-me-ups a girl could ask for. Thank you for lifting me up time after time, and mostly thank you for always being by my side not because I asked you to be, but because you genuinely want to be there.

Thank you for being my biggest fan. You are the first person to high-five me when I get A’s on my tests and even when I completely bomb them. Thank you for never turning down any moronic idea that seems to pass through my mind. You’ll wait at least a day to talk sense into me when I go through one of my crazy psychotic rampages, and tell me that maybe the person I took my anger out on wasn’t wrong after all. You always take my side in situations, even if you should be on the opposite side of the table. Thank you for always being down to order pizza and wings on Sundays, going on late night McDonald’s trips, watching movies on repeat for an entire day and most importantly ignoring all and every responsibility we have to watch Facebook recipes and Ava Ryan vines. Thank you for those morning “come cuddle” texts and psychotic boyfriend-esque, “where are you?” texts when I don't answer you right away.

Thank you for doubling as my significant other and best friend. Our kissing on the cheek photos have made our families question our sexuality on a continual basis and every time one of our parents call us they make sure to say, “how’s your roommate?” We can tell what the other is thinking with a simple look and know when to save the other from Bill over on the other side of the dance floor who’s getting a little too frisky. We have the “jealous best friend” act down pat and can pull the jealous card with the snap of a finger.

I’m so appreciative for the fact that I always have a spot in your bed to binge watch Netflix and snuggle all day. You are my partner in crime and always encourage any type of behavior, whether it be deciding to stay in on the first Thursday of the semester or going out the night before a final. Thank you for always giving me something to do, whether it be our excursions around our small college town or sitting on the balcony of our apartment yelling at people at two in the morning (yes freshmen, that’s us). We have established our own Morse code communication system from room to room and we make sure to knock when the other has a boy in the room just to let them know who the real lover is.

Thank you for keeping my secrets your secrets too. I confide in you because I know that what I tell you will never leave the room and I commend you for that. You are one of the most dependable people I know and I know if I’m ever cornered, you’ll be the first one rushing to my side. Also, thank you for knowing and witnessing some of the most embarrassing things that have ever happened to me and still deciding to be my friend. Frankly, I don’t think you have much of a choice, but damn you must really love me to tolerate me sometimes. As I’m writing this, one particular embarrassing moment really stands out in my mind and I know that you’re thinking of it too (you’re welcome). Thank you for having the same, screwed up sense of humor as me and for being just as weird – if not weirder – than me.

I’m most thankful for you just being you. You never try to be someone you’re not and that’s what I love most about you. I aspire to be half the friend you are to me and I hope this letter helps guide me in the right direction. Thank you for making my dreams yours, as yours will always be mine. Some of my fondest memories have been with you, and no matter where life takes me and what kind of boring housewife I may become one day, know you will always have a spot in my heart. I’m so grateful college brought me my final bridesmaid in my (imaginary) wedding, my person, my other half, my soulmate – my best friend.