1,150 miles, that is how far I am from my best friend. I met Alexis Brown when we were in the fifth grade and we were friends through mutual friends. We got closer throughout the years, but senior year was the year that our friendship truly blossomed. Lex and I overcame various obstacles together during our senior year which sealed our bond and made it unbreakable. Alexis Brown is more than just my best friend, she is my sister.

Alexis runs track at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Yes, she is a beast. She has more medals and awards for track than the number of years that I have been born. Alexis is also my biggest inspiration. I strive every day to be at least half the person that she is. She has never let injuries or naysayers stop her from breaking barriers. Every time I think that she has done everything possible, she does the unexpected. There is always a new goal that she has created for herself, and you better believe she's going to accomplish it. She continues to do the unimaginable, and she works hard day in and day out. This not only pertains to track, but also includes the classroom. I have never met anyone who can practice and put in the extra time to perfect their craft, all while keeping their academics in good standing.

When Alexis and I made our decisions on what schools we were going to attend we knew it would be hard, but it wouldn't be impossible. Our foundation is strong enough to withstand any distance. We FaceTime whenever we can, and when we talk it's like we never skipped a beat. We countdown the days until we see each other, and we plan the events for our reunions. Although we are no longer in the same place every day, our bond is stronger than ever. So yes, long-distance friendship does work, and yes my love for my best friend and sister has changed because it has grown. 1,150 miles, that's how far my love now stretches.