Sure, we joked about being mad at you for graduating and leaving the rest of us here, but more than that, we will miss you. Behind the jokes and the smiles lay real emotions that are just getting their time to come to the surface now that it's been a few months since we've seen each other. Now, it's finally setting in that you won't be back next semester.

When you live with someone for even a year, you get used to them always being there. You get used to their routines. Whether that's leaving the shower on for 15 minutes before they get in or their perfect pre-bed snack, their little quirks become a part of your everyday life. When they're not there anymore, it will always be a bit weird. That's how it is with us. I got used to every part of your schedule and knew it as well as I knew my own. Our place became our own little family, and it isn't the same when you're down one member.

This year, we'll be down a person when we go on our adventures. We'll be down a person when we curl up in the living room to watch way too may episodes of "Family Feud" on television. We'll be down a person when we go out for Chinese food and pizza. We'll be down a person on game night, and the yelling won't be nearly as loud. It's won't be the same at all.

That being said, I'm proud of you. You made it through and graduated, which is a feat in and of itself. All of the hours we sat in the living room floor working have finally paid off for you. I got to watch you work on your bed, at your desk, on the floor, and every other place imaginable in our apartment. While our families only understand to a certain extent, I got to watch you work every day. I got to see how frustrated that assignment made you, and I got to be there when you got the grade back, for better or for worse.

Yes, you have ended a chapter of your life, but now you get to move on to the rest of your life. All the hard work you put in is finally paying off. I can't wait to see where life takes you in the next year as you take on the adult world full force and find your place in it. I know you will find a job that you love, and I can't wait to hear about it at Homecoming this year, which I fully expect you to attend.

You are going to do great things, I just know it. I still won't forgive you for leaving the rest of us behind, but I will always get to say, "I knew her when..." Now go out there and tackle the world. Just don't forget to call us and fill us in on what part you're taking on this week. Once a roommate, forever a friend.