One year ago, a day came that I never dreamed I would have to experience as a 20 year old sophomore in college. When I first heard the news, I didn't want to believe it. As I reflect on this past year, I never thought the dreaded word, "death" would hit me so closely. We were best friends and sorority sisters and just like that she was gone. In the blink of an eye, everything that I had known to be normal my sophomore year of college had changed. My life seemed to have become a nightmare, which was reality.

While it has not always been easy, this past year has taught me countless lessons.

Every second that you spend with someone is valuable and should be cherished. Take pictures, and appreciate the little things. You never know when it might be the last time you get to say “goodbye” to that best friend.

This past year, I have learned that people really do care. People that you might not have ever had a conversation with care. You are loved by so many people, more than you might ever imagine. If you need somebody to cry with, or just talk to, there is always somebody who will be willing to listen. You are not alone in this life.

A melody really can sound like a memory. It is crazy how many memories the lyrics of a song can bring back. It doesn’t matter where you are, or even what time it is, when that song comes on you are taken to a different place. Some songs can be difficult to listen to after losing a best friend, but some songs are also a great way to reminisce on the good times that you and that person had together.

It is okay to not be okay. Yeah, we might be afraid to cry in public, but sometimes it just happens. After losing a best friend, you will experience a wide range of emotions and sometimes you just don't understand what is happening. Crying can actually help you feel better. If you need somebody to talk to, find somebody to talk to.

People care about you and are willing to listen, and if you don’t have anybody in your life that you are comfortable talking to, go to a counselor. Counselors are genuine, caring people. They’re really not that scary and they can be very helpful and life impacting.

Eventually, things begin to become easier. You can think of that best friend without being overwhelmed with sadness. Cherish the good times and always be thankful that that best friend entered your life, even if it was only for a short period of time.

In the end, you learn that life goes on. Life continues to go on all around you. There will always be a hole inside of you and you will always continue missing that friend, but you have to always remember that life goes on. It is important to remember the good times and to not dwell on the rough times.

Even though you might be young, always remember that life is unpredictable, and you never know how long you have to spend with someone. In the blink of an eye, everything can change. Never take life for granted. While losing a loved one can be very difficult, cherish the good times, the memories that were made and always remember that you have a guardian angel who will always be watching down on you.

Rest in Peace, Haily Hayes (9/9/1996-1/17/2016)