When I first found out that I would no longer be living with my best friend during my first year in my new environment, I was terrified. I had to share a space with a total stranger. The thoughts that ran through my head were mostly negative, until the day came that your name showed up in my email. I reached out and your excitement to hear from me made me feel so much better. It was at that point I knew that our relationship was about to be something special.

August 18^th was the first time we met. You and your family were so open and welcoming to me, my family and all my friends. My parents and little sister immediately loved you, as did everyone else I brought into our space throughout the year.

The first month or so we bonded so much, but one cold October night, you became one of my very best friends. You comforted me through the hardest heartbreak I've ever experienced. You held me while I cried on your shoulder, you made me feel safe and assured me that you were there for me.

You brought out a side of me that I never knew I had. You showed me experiences that I would have never had on my own. You showed me that it's okay to be vulnerable and show people who I really am. You taught me that if people can't accept every part of who I am, they aren't worthy of my attention. You and your friends accepted me and you guys backed every decision I made as long as it was what made me happy.

So, this is a thank you. Thank you for the late nights talking and laughing with me. Thank you for pulling me out of my shell after my heartbreak healed. Thank you for all the 2 a.m. Jimmy John's while we watched movies. Thank you for singing at the top of your lungs with me and dancing around our room getting ready. Most importantly, thank you for loving me when I didn't really love myself.

You have no idea how much you changed my life. You gave me so much and I don't know that I ever properly thanked you. You gave me a new group of friends. You saw me in every single state of being. I'm sure I annoyed the living crap out of you from time to time, but that's expected with roommates.

Nonetheless, you still came home and laughed and smiled with me.

I'm sad that we won't be living together next year, but I know for a fact that we will still make time to have those experiences again and make new memories. Thank you for everything, I love you.