Around this time last year, I remember sitting in my room with all of the things I needed to pack for my dorm, wondering what the next four years would look like. I remember being terrified and asking myself why I thought it was a good idea to move halfway across the country. I had no friends or family there, and I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. With move in day just around the corner, I was beginning to regret my decision.

The first week of school was interesting. I did not know a single person going into this and once I said goodbye to my parents that was it. Reality had finally set in. I was in a completely unfamiliar place, hundreds of miles away from home, knowing absolutely no one. Thankfully I don’t struggle when it comes to going up to strangers to create small talk, but I still felt so vulnerable. I began to latch on to every person I met and called them my “friends” when in reality, I probably had nothing in common with them.

This is was how it was like for the first few days of orientation, until I met you guys. And you know who you are. The three other girls who weren’t just the “friends” I latched on to during the first day of school, but the ones who became my family in such a short period of time.

Thank you for teaching me about quality over quantity. I have met so many amazing people at college and I have made so many close relationships over my freshman year. However, nothing can compare to the bond that we have made over such a short period of time. Our friendship has proven to me that I would much rather have three, close, best friends who I consider sisters over dozens of friends who are merely acquaintances. We instantly clicked and I couldn’t have asked for more.

Thank you for teaching me that the length of time does not matter when it comes to becoming close to someone. My friendship with you guys is stronger than the ones with the people I have known since Kindergarten. I have many different friendships with a lot of other people in many different ways. I have many distant relationships with other friends, and some people I consider family. However, I consider you guys my rock.

Thank you for being my home away from home. Moving halfway across the country without knowing anyone was probably one of the scariest things I have done. If you asked me last summer, I would have never thought that I would ever feel comfortable in this sort of situation. You guys are my sisters from other misters and I am beyond thankful for you.

Thank you for the memories. From watching The Bachelorette every week on the floor of my dorm room, being the loudest/most obnoxious people in the cafeteria, taking advantage of every single Papa John’s $5 Tuesdays, random late night dance parties, heart to heart conversations, and making some [not so great] decisions––the list goes on and on. I look at the past year and am so grateful that we have three more years to make some more.

Thank you for loving me at my best and at my worst. Thank you for celebrating my highest points with me and for being present in my life. Thank you for dealing with my mental breakdowns after most, if not all chemistry tests. Just by having a presence and being there for me, you have all made a positive impact on my college experience.

A little less than a month remains until we will all be reunited again. I am counting down the days and I cannot wait until I get to see all of your beautiful faces.

Thank you for being you.