I started my freshmen year of high school with a pretty solid friend group, friends that I had had since the fifth grade. I was sitting in Algebra class about two weeks into the school year when you walked in.

The teacher introduced you to the class, saying that we had a new student. You sat behind me with your bubbly personality, and we eventually started talking and becoming friends.

You were the friend I didn't know I needed, but the best friend I truly wanted. We bonded over the chorus, math, and our obnoxiously annoying similar laughs. As the year progressed, so did our friendship; we went from being pretty good friends, to inseparable in the blink of an eye.

We did everything together; we signed up for classes together and made sure both of us were taking the same ones. We rarely spent weekends apart unless we were made to, but most of all, you were the person I texted when I had good news, or unfortunately bad news. Liz, you are my ride or die.

Your family always welcomed me into their home as if I was one of their own (even though they didn't really have a choice). Going to your house always meant I got to listen to your dad's dry humor, your sister's sarcastic tone and your mom's extreme generosity, but most of all, it was my second home.

Our friendship has been tested a few times since high school, you moved, I moved, along with some other big events.

I would say we've had our ups and downs, but you're the person that always there for me — the person I need when I'm having boy problems, the person I need when I need to vent, but most importantly, the person I want a hug from at the end of the day.

Some people say that high school friends drift apart, but I know that I'll have you for a lifetime. Looking back eight years ago when we first met, I'm so glad you were put into my math class because you honestly did save my life, whether you know it or not.

I'm so happy our high school dream of us going to college together has come true because there's nothing better than seeing your best friend every day.

Liz, I love you and you were the best gift God could've possibly given me.