Dear Best Friends,

There were many battles and struggles I look back on that I didn't have you for. I started to feel as if I wouldn't make the kind of connections that I know so many other people around me were. I began to think that maybe it was me - maybe no one wanted to be my friend because there was something wrong with me. Of course that last part wasn't true, but when everyone around you seemed to find that one person or a group of friends that stuck with them through thick and thin, it becomes part of your mindset. There were a few people that I thought maybe would be those who I would turn to, but when they transferred at the end of the semester, it was hard to stay in touch with them. After going through four semesters of people leaving, I became desensitized to it. What's the point of being sad someone left if it continues to happen over and over again? You tend to just expect it.

Beginning of the second semester of my junior year, I found out there was going to be someone new living in our suite. I didn't know what to think at first. To be honest, I didn't think much because I didn't really care. This person was just going to be someone else who didn't care and wouldn't bother with us, much like other people in our suite did at the time. I was proven wrong, to my delight. The girl that moved in to our suite was someone I was already familiar with. However, I had never talked to her before even though we had the same major and had taken a few classes together already. She made sure to introduce herself and made us aware that we were going to be a more connected group of girls now that she was there. This girl was you. I figured I should give you a chance. The worst thing you could have done was left. But you didn't.

As the semester went on, we got closer. We would stay up until 3 am doing homework, coloring, or watching TV together on a school night, then complain to each other about how tired we were the next day. From the moment we were both done with classes for the day until we went to bed, we were found together in either the common room or your room. In just a matter of weeks, we had become close. There was still a little piece of me in the back of my mind that was worried that you would leave, but I knew you wouldn't because you loved this school as much as I did. I was content with our friendship and even happier when you introduced me to the girl that had been your best friend since day one.

It was easy to become friends with your best friend. We had a lot of shared interests and also were in a few classes together. Even though I don't have a fantastic story of how fate brought her and I together like I do with you and I, I'm so glad that you introduced me to her. I couldn't be happier with our little friend group. Even though I was the last one to be "added", I feel like I've been there since day one with how close we've all gotten. I wouldn't trade anything for you guys.

You all mean so much to me. I can't put into words how happy I am that our paths have crossed and something meaningful has come out of our meeting. I know that whenever I'm having a bad day, or when something so exciting happens that I have to share it, that I can come to you guys and you all tell me exactly what I need to hear - even if it's not always what I want to hear. I know it's a given, but I want you guys to know that I will always be here for you no matter what like you all are there for me. After college is said and done with, I know you guys aren't going anywhere. Even though we're all spread out across a couple states, you guys are just a text or phone call away. I love you guys.

Thanks, Squad ❤