To my graduating friends past, present, and future.
For some of you, I probably will never see you again in my life. We may exchange a text or a message here and there, but there's a good chance we won't see each other on purpose ever again. But this won't change the impact you have had on my life, or the memories that we have made together. We have sung together, we have cried together, we've played sports, we've made food, we've laughed, and we've fought. A few of you have started dating each other, a few have fallen off the face of the Earth; but that's okay.
There have been times that I've felt left out, isolated, and unloved, but there always seems to be a moment where I realize that you have become my family away from home. I can only hope--pray--that I have made the same impact on your lives as you have on mine.
To the ones who have already graduated,
You've become the person you have because of your hard work while we knew each other. You've probably found a profession that you'll love, and you'll continue to grow, just as you did before you were handed your diploma. You may start a family, or you may not, but either way, I know you will do what is best for you; your instincts have gotten you this far, don't deny them now.
To the ones who are graduating now,
Wow, what a wild, crazy trip it's been. For some of you, we've become the best of friends, and I know there will be no one who will be able to grow alongside me as you have. I watched you the moment you realized this was it. I tried to be there for you in your last days as a student, and someone that I'd see every day, and I hope you'll stick with me when we're both out on the other side.
To the ones graduating in the future,
Enjoy this. This is your time to find yourself, find people you love, and find people who love you. Let yourself make mistakes--they will happen. There will be good days and bad days. There will be long nights and even longer lectures. Soak it up. Devour every moment like it's the last moment you have with these friends you've made.
It's that time of the year, where people grow up suddenly, and connections are strained. I promise to anyone reading this letter, I won't let you get too far away. You are my best friends, after all.
