This letter has been a long time coming. I knew in the back of my mind one day I'd have to write it. I don't have to write this letter, I don't have to sit here deleting more words than I actually ended up writing. But I'm a writer and this is what I do best. This is more than just words on a paper, this is everything I can't say in person because once I look you in the eyes, I know it becomes real.

This makes us sound like lovers or that you're my significant other. But at the end of the day, you are. There's not a day we don't talk and we're in so many Facebook photos together, every Facebook quiz thinks we're dating. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

When you move that tassel over, it's real. Your new life in the "real world" begins.

We used to talk about graduation like we were 5 years old again, dreaming about what we wanted to do when we grow up. It's funny how fast time can fly, how so much can change in just a span of a year.

We went from complete strangers passing by on the quad to sisters — it's always been more than two girls who share the same values under one roof; we've always been much deeper than a title. I've always believed in soul mates, but I never thought my true soul mates would be the people who have been there from the beginning.

So much is going to happen in a year. Distance will turn from feet to miles, 2 a.m. drunk weekend nights turn into catch-up on holiday breaks. Things are changing and we can't do anything about that. Of course, I wish I could keep you here with me, but it's time for me to share you with someone else.

You've helped me grow. You taught me what it means to laugh every day, to push through the pain, to cry it out when I need to. You've shown me my weaknesses only exist in my head, that I'm stronger than I think I am. You're my confidant, my mediator, my spirit animal. The past year has been a whirlwind of hot messes but we always somehow pull through.

I could go on and on all sappy with you and name off every stupidly amazing thing we've done, but I won't. Because being sappy isn't going to make things change; you're leaving and that won't go away.

I'm so proud of how far you've come and everything you have yet to give. As you go off into the real world, keep college with you. Never lose your sense of adventure, your desire to learn, the ability to love with your entire essence, and most importantly, never forget where you came from. Just like you've shaped us, we've shaped you.

Life's going to be different, but we'll be OK...I swear.