One year ago, I walk into my first day of school and meet several, special new girls. We become friends. At this point, I do not know the extent to which they will impact my life. I start to get to know them and realize we have a lot of the same interests. This causes me to want to spend even more time with them. We become really close and I start to consider them my closest friends.

Over the course of the year, we share many adventures and create many memories together. I find it so easy to tell them my entire life story or cry on their shoulder about a recent breakup. I trust them with my life on the weekends and they calm me when I just don't think I can finish my final paper that's due in less than two hours. Did you ever think you could ever be that close with one person or a group of people?

Growing up, I was involved in everything under the sun, from gymnastics and marching band, to work and church activities. My crazy-busy schedule never allowed me to truly make a connection with my friends. To be honest, I put up with most of them because I was stuck with them for such a long period of time. Don't get me wrong, I made a couple of great friends whom I still contact, but overall, I never had a group of friends that I could truly be myself around and always feel accepted.

Coming to college, I was super nervous I would find friends, but not ones that would stick around for good. But to my surprise, I was wrong. I made friends throughout the year, and then even more after sorority recruitment. Some of my best friends I met the first week and others are my sisters. These girls are so full of life, wisdom and kindness. They are full of laughter and tears, and I just love it.

So to all my girls out there, I want to thank you. Thank you for putting up with me when I am just too loud and hyper. Thank you for letting me talk to you without shutting up for 20 minutes or more. Thank you for allowing me to cry with you over stupid boys or a real bad exam score. Thank you for yelling at me in love, if I am about to make a horrible mistake. Thank you for always putting my needs before yours and finally, Thank you for loving me for the person God made me to be and making me feel like I am accepted.

I love you all and am so happy that God put you in my life. You have and will continue to make a difference in my life.