To the senior girl, I met at the end of my freshman year,

Well, now I'm in your shoes.

You're nearing the end of your college experience while I end my high school experience, and I realized how quickly these past four years have flown by.

I am so thankful you sat behind me in creative writing class and that we bonded over our love of it. I always knew that I could go to you for help or advice on my work, and I appreciated that you trusted me with yours.

I looked forward to reading it and helping you make it better.

I got to see a very personal side of you through that class, and I truly believe that is one of the reasons we are still so close to this day. I know I put myself into my writing, and I got to see the real you in yours right at the start of our relationship.

You have always been a mentor for me, and I've looked up to you these past four years. It blows my mind that it has been that long; it has felt so much shorter.

I am so lucky that you are a part of my life still, and I'm so thankful that I know you're always there...even if we haven't talked for a few months in between.

When you showed up at my house last year for my birthday, my heart was overwhelmed with love and gratitude that you did that for me. And when you came to homecoming with me sophomore year, I was touched that you got me a corsage — I still have it.

Now that I am in your shoes as I near the end of my senior year, I understand how you must have felt.

I am now one of the oldest of my friend group, and I have freshman buddies. As I get ready to graduate and move onto the next part of my life, I am sad thinking about leaving all of them behind.

I am honored that they look up to me to guide them and lead them.

It's very humbling to have my younger friends look at me as the "mom" of the group. They trust me enough to come to me, and they know I will be upfront and honest and that whatever they say is safe with me.

I hope you felt the way I feel now when you were looking after me.

You are one of the greatest friends that I have ever had.

Though we don't talk every single day, and may not talk for a few months at a time, every time we do it's as if no time has really passed.

I am so thankful for you, your friendship and your loyalty. You are one of the most mature and wisest people that I know, and you're only three years older than me.

Your talent amazes me. Thank you for always being constant.

I love you, Senior Buddy.

It's time for me to take your place. I hope I make you proud like you've made me.

Love,

Your (now Senior) Freshman Pal