Being in college is a lot different than being in high school. Your friends can come from all over the state, and in some cases, all over the country. The probability of someone being from the same town as you is slim to none, unless you came to the same school together. So over summer, it’s not that easy to guarantee the summer vacation you expect to have with your friends. In high school, they live just down the street. Now, they might live a five-hour drive or even a plane ride away.

I made so many new friends this year, and to all of you, I just want to say thank you. You all became huge parts of my life so quickly this year. For most of you, we only had one semester together, and so quickly summer had arrived. The moments we shared together are some of my greatest memories I’ve ever had, and yet, I won’t see you at all over these long summer months.

Road trips have always been a dream of mine, and I finally have the option to take it. But we’re all busy. We have jobs, summer classes, other obligations—everything that prevents us from being together. There’s plenty of people to see in my home town, sure, but you guys were there for me in the hardest point of my life. College has been complicated and difficult, and a transition I wasn’t prepared for. All of you made it easier, simplified the process, and we came together so quickly. I’ll never stop being thankful for you.

However, I still feel a bit sad when I see our other friends visiting each other when we can’t. It’s hard to scroll through Instagram or Facebook and see people taking trips to Disney together. They take road trips to beautiful beaches, amazing cities and daring views, yet I can’t do that with you. Those pictures, those moments captured in time to look back on forever, we won’t have those moments, and I can’t help but be jealous.

While we may not get to have the adventures that everyone else does, I know that our plans will still blossom. Our futures together are bright. Our friendships will continue to grow. I’m content with letting the silly Snapchats we send be the only pictures we get. I’m fine with seeing your adventures on your own on social media, living vicariously through the moments you share. We won’t share any time together, but every moment apart will make our reuniting even more special.

In the fall, just know that I’ll be jumping all over you as soon as I see you. I’ll drag you to breakfast, lunch and dinner until I know everything about your summer that I didn’t see online. I want to know your drama, your fun—every single thing you did. And not because I’m nosy (even though I am), but simply because I love you. Thank you, all of you, for everything. Thank you for coming into my life and changing it for the better. Our adventures will resume shortly, but until then, like all those cheesy yearbook signoffs, HAGS!