This year was an absolute roller coaster, but undoubtedly, one of the best. By now each of our schools have become our new homes. We each have friend groups on our floors, in our sororities, on our sports teams, and so on. We had the time of our lives this year, and I’m so thankful that we’ve all found such amazing places to come back to.

Still, every time my phone screen lit up with a text or a call from one of you this past year, I got very nostalgic. That familiarity was so comforting especially during a year when everything was changing. When we would see each other over breaks, it was like we were picking up right where we left off, but I definitely wish that I could have seen more of you guys. Fortunately, summer is right around the corner and we won’t have to wait much longer until we’re living five minutes away from each other again instead of a few hours.

I’ve definitely changed because of this year. It may not appear that way at first, but you’ll soon see that I’m not the same person that you said goodbye to the night before I left for college. A year ago we were on our way to prom and looking ahead to graduation. I was still a kid. Now I’m more confident and more of an adult than I ever was. It’s because of the people I’ve surrounded myself with and the experiences I’ve had this past year that have helped me become who I am today. But don’t misunderstand me; I’m still me, and I can’t wait to share just how positively this year has impacted me as a person with all of you.

More importantly, I can’t wait to hear about all of your college experiences since we saw each other last. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen any of you in what seems like forever. In fact, I honestly can’t believe how long it’s been. But the good news is that we have an entire three months to catch up. I can’t wait to get back to doing all of the same things we did last summer, and I can’t wait for it to feel like old times.

This year has taught me so much, but one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that distance can’t break the bond that we have, and we’ll always have each other to come home to. Although high school wasn’t exactly the time of our lives, we survived it because of each other. Some of the best moments of my teenage years were shared with you. You all are a large part of who I am today, and that will never change.

So here’s to the summer nights, bonfires, Six Flags trips, concerts, and even more memories to come these next few months because before we know it, August will be here and we’ll be on our way back down our separate paths until the next time we get to see each other.

See you soon!

Love,

Sam