Sam

Sam has been my best friend since before I can remember. She is dependable and great at giving unbiased advice. Even when she plays the devil's advocate I know she wants me to see the good in everyone. From the times we were singing single ladies on your pool deck to taking pictures of our junior and Senior Prom, you've been there. Thank you for making me laugh when I cry and helping find the positive perspective when I can't find it myself.

Take Away: Being a dependable friend doesn't mean you have to be at their beck and call. Being dependable is just being there for your friends giving advice that they need to here.

Alexa

We have been friends since sixth grade and I can't remember a time when we haven't been friends. You have shown me how to take control and live my life to the fullest. You have taught me how to own who I am and never forget to love myself.

Anyone would be lucky to know her. she is bold in her actions and lives her life the way she wants to. She supports me and pushes me to come out of my shell. The best thing about her is how she treats others. She is so compassionate and has helped me. Although at times I talk her ear off, I know she is always listening.

Take Away: The best part of being friends with someone is that you are different. Bring out the good in your friends, whether your an introvert or extrovert you can balance each other out.

Ariel

We met in Mary Lynn's class where both of us were extremely bored and found entertainment in cracking jokes in the back corner. We found a common bond of not caring what other people think. You are unlike anyone I know, in the way you act and represent yourself. You are unafraid to call people out in a classy way and will make your political views known. Thank you for showing me what it is to be quirky and loving towards the people who need it the most.

Take Away: Be the best version of yourself around your friends because they know the real you. In that case don't be afraid to show your true feelings to your friends because they know the difference between a real smile and a fake one.

Oksana

We met freshman year of high school and you fit right in with us. You moved to a new high school freshman year only knowing one person and you managed to befriend everyone. Your bubbly and warm personality drew others towards you. You made us all laugh by teaching us how to say potato in Ukrainian which is " бараболя" but phonetically "Badaboya." To this day we will say it at any random times and find it just as funny as it was the first time. You taught me that making friends from far and wide and keeping them helps create so many great memories.

Take Away: Spread your self far and meet a lot of new people. You never know who you're going to meet that may change your life.

Zoey

I have known you since I began working at Camp Sloper. We hit it off and now have our little group "Sloper 5-0" with Matt, Anthony, and Ryan. You always know how to make me laugh and show me what it is to laugh at my own "Julie sayings." I miss our jams in the car during the afternoons to the first song on your phone which was "AM" by One Direction. We'd laugh cause during the short drive we were too tired to change the song and would just let it play. You make me laugh to no end and have shown me how to be a better counselor.

Take Away: Learn from others what you want to improve for yourself. Friends can teach you important lessons and if your ears are open you will hear them.