At my small elementary school, once you graduated eighth grade nearly everybody went on to attend the same high school. Most of my friends and I went to the closest Catholic high school, but one of my best friends, Guen, went somewhere different.

I was obviously upset that we weren't going to see each other every day, but she only lived ten minutes away and I had her phone number so I wasn't too worried. However, high school happened and adjusting took me a bit of time. Over the past four years, I sent Guen her annual birthday text, but that was about it.

Over our years in elementary school, Guen and I connected on various things. She got me hooked on some of my favorite YouTubers and music artists that I still love today. I even have the several emails she sent me with a description of the YouTuber and her favorite video attached. These messages from 2012 really show the roots of our friendship and how similar we are.

We got back into contact after she commented on my graduation picture. After that, we started texting each other and eventually planned to meet up after about four years. My best friend, Emily, also came along since we were all friends in eighth grade.

I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous. I was afraid of the awkwardness that would come because we didn't talk to each other for so long. Luckily, I was proved wrong. Right when Guen got in my car, everything was how it used to be. We all went to a pizza place and caught up on each other's lives. We sat there for two hours just talking, and it felt so good to have one of my best friends back.

Now that we were reunited, we had to catch up on all our lost time. We somehow managed to dodge work schedules and make plans. Some of the highlights from our reconnection this summer include a Twilight movie marathon, a Troye Sivan concert, and going on a hiking photoshoot. Without Guen, I definitely wouldn't have made so many memories this past summer.

Ruby Baker

I have to give credit to Guen because she got me into one of my favorite singers, Troye Sivan. Even though he is well-known now, we discovered Troye when he was a YouTuber who wrote an occasional song. Now he has an EP, two successful albums, and a new title of musician-actor.

We have been big fans of Troye since the beginning and it was only fitting that we went to see Troye live together this summer. I enjoyed every second of that day and was so happy I could see Troye with Guen since she introduced me to him. Side note: I also discovered my favorite band, Why Don't We, that day too, so nothing can top that experience.

Guen Baker

Guen has been such an amazing person to talk to about anything. I'm so grateful I had her there this summer to get advice from and even rant to a little bit. The beginning of this past summer was kind of rocky, but she helped me through it. In the past, I've felt like I couldn't talk to some of my friends about certain things. Even though I hadn't talked to Guen for a long time, I knew I could talk to her about particular topics because of how she listens and offers genuine input.

Sadly, the summer was wrapping up, and I was faced with saying goodbye to my best friend again. Guen goes to Bloomsburg and I'm at Temple, so the only time we can really see each other is when we are on break. However, this hasn't stopped us from talking. We text each other at least once a week, and we even went to see Troye Sivan again when he came to Philly in October.

Isabella Hornick

I'm so blessed and grateful that I got to reconnect with Guen. I can honestly say she is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Her advice is absolutely amazing, and she has helped me through various situations in my life. Over just this past summer, she inspired me to grow in countless ways. I feel incredibly comfortable around her and know I can trust her with anything.

So thanks for reaching out Guen. I'm so happy to have my best friend back in my life.