I still remember every day that each of us left for college. We piled into cars and boarded airplanes unsure of what we were leaving behind, where we were going, or what we would be coming back home to. Driveways became a safe place for tears and doorsteps became a symbol of goodbye. Our parents told us that it would be okay—that we would probably stay in touch and that college would be the best time of our life. Those statements were both partially true. College was fun despite moments of homesickness and friendsickness and we managed to come home three months later to a familiar house full of best friends.
Thanksgiving break was too short, but it was long enough to realize things hadn’t changed. It was a reassurance of sorts. The next month before the long-awaited winter break didn’t seem as bad and the goodbyes were easier. Finals ended and winter break finally arrived. My parents probably were probably upset about the amount of time I spent with you and not them—but they got over it because they love you almost as much as I do! Our traditions resumed and Find My Friends became easier to use because we were all within about a five-mile radius. But when time came to go back to school, I questioned why I went somewhere 2,000 miles away from you all.
I knew, however, that when we reconvened in a few short months, too many of us would still pile onto a couch meant for three even if an empty couch was just a few feet away. I knew that I wouldn’t have to schedule you into my free time because we would most likely just show up at each other’s homes at our own conveniences. I knew that our favorite spots like our favorite beach and frequented movie room would still be there when we returned. They were and they always will be there.
So, we’ve almost made it through our freshman year of college—thousands of miles apart. I wholeheartedly believe that we are (or will be) where we are meant to be and hopefully we will end up back at home where we have so many more memories to make together. Thank you for being you, because I wouldn’t be who I am without you. You knew me when I was too young to even know myself and you have all taught me so much along the way to being where we are now. You allowed me to be completely authentic. You loved me even when I didn’t always love myself. Aside from those, you also taught me to find the courage to jump off the rock at the lake and you always reminded me to wear closed-toed shoes when climbing through the forest in the middle of the night. I can’t wait for what all these years have in store for us—I love you all so much.
