Growing up, I always felt like college would be the time of my life. Deciding to go to a school over a thousand miles away was an anxiety-inducing thought because not only would I be in a completely different type of school in a completely different state, but I would not have my family with me or any of my best friends. I chose to not let that fear stop me from taking chances in hopes to fulfill my dreams.

The moment I met you, I knew we were creating a friendship that would last forever. I will never forget that hot Florida afternoon when I walked into the journalism classroom section during orientation not knowing anyone. When it came time to pick classes, everyone else seemed like they knew what they were doing except me. I started to panic and when I turned around, you were the only other person who looked as scared as I was feeling; in that moment, we knew we were in this together.

You would text me sporadically throughout the summer and that is when I knew you would be a great friend. Even when we barely knew each other, you were more caring than even some of the people I had known for years.

This past year has been nothing but great memories with you. Whenever I was feeling down, homesick or going through a difficult situation, you were always there for me with a hug and a cup of Jeremiah's Italian Ice (because you knew it would cure all troubles). We've had our little bumps in the road, but every great relationship acknowledges what buttons to not press and which ones are sensitive. We know each other so well in such a short time because we balance each other. As your dad says, we are "sister souls," but are we perfect? No. Do we agree on everything? Absolutely not, but that does not mean that we are not best friends. We accept that we do not always see eye-to-eye on everything, but we do agree on what is important; we are not afraid to talk about the things that we do not both have the same view point on because we are both mature enough to converse about it. If anything, we grow a greater understanding and appreciation for each other's perspectives.

I do not know what I would have done without you in my freshman year, but more importantly, I do not know what I would do without you if our friendship was to ever end (which we know it won't). You are the only person I know who's company never becomes overbearing or bothersome. Whenever I have an idea, you are there by my side when we go out on a limb. I've had great friends in the past and still have other best friends, but none of them compare to you. Our friendship is authentic, understanding, and everything I always dreamed of. In my former friendships, I have gotten jealous of their success but with you, I am nothing but happy and proud of your achievements because you deserve them. You try your hardest at whatever task is at hand. You are probably the best writer I have ever met, and you are the best conversationalist I have ever seen. I do envy you for how amazing you are, but I am more proud to call you my best friend. It is an honor to learn from you, to grow with you, and to create memories with you that will last us a lifetime. I have talked about my friends being my bridesmaids in the past, but I know for a fact you will be my maid of honor, the godmother to my future children and the woman who will sit next to me in the nursing home to talk to about the annoying things my husband is doing. We are in this friendship for the long run and I can't help but feel privileged to call you my partner-in-crime.

I know I do not tell you enough, but I am so thankful for you each and every day. I love you like a sister and will forever need you by my side.