High school can be a plethora of hormones, sweat, zits and drama. However, through this mess, some of the absolute best relationships can develop. I can honestly say that I have met some of my very best friends during this four-year escapade

Thank you for accepting me (and being seen with me) in my most awkward state

Even though I rocked horrible pink hair after trying to dye it red, you all still loved me. Even though we may have been one herd of nerds, we all took care of one another. Though years have passed, I can still be a little awkward, and you are still okay with that. You all have taught me it's okay to not be "flawless" and to embrace that it's my strengths that define me, not my flaws.

Thank you for being there for my homesick breakdown freshman year

Even as exciting as college can be, it can easily be lonely. You understood my pain of applying for loans the first time, buying groceries, navigating my way through this new world and trying to not look like a complete freshman. You helped me know that I wasn't the only one flailing in the freedom and reassured me that all will be fine. When I was having a rough time adjusting, you reached out to me to see if I was alright and to see what you could do to help me.

Thank you for being there when no one was.
You have been there for my worst heartbreaks, anxiety attacks and breakdowns. In my hardest months in school, you all still rallied around me. You brought me back up from whatever threw me down, stood up for me when fingers were pointing and knew when a hug was needed. I knew when I was stressed to the point of pulling my hair out, I could count on a bonfire to always cheer me up. Whether it be family emergencies or the fact I got a D on a chemistry test, I knew that you were a single text away.

Thank you for pushing me to do my best.
Whenever I told you of my goals or what I wanted to do, you always pushed me. You told me that I could it when others said I couldn't. I wanted to study abroad on a boat, and you all congratulated me once I was accepted. Thank you for all the (painfully awkward) biology study sessions, the pep talks before my anatomy tests and the reassurance.

Thank you for all of our adventures.
From bonfires to mud runs to night hikes, I have experienced some of my best adventures (many of which have started with the simple phrase, "Hey, watch this," and ended with concussions) with you and look forward to many, many more, but with fewer concussions.

Thank you for listening and understanding that I don't completely have my life together ... or my major

...and being just as supportive every time. Through our coffee catch-ups, I have told you I declared physics, biology, pre-med, health and exercise, pre-med again and now communications and journalism. Smiling and nodding, you always had some kind words of support and wisdom, stating you were always happy I had found something that interested me.

...But also being a voice of reason.
Thank you for telling me when I deserved better, could do better or should be treated better. You stepped in when I couldn't see what was right in front of me and pointed out what needed to be addressed. You helped me stand back up and take a stand against those who have wronged me. Thank you for loving me and being there even when I had messed up BIG time.

Thank you for being some of my absolute best friends after all these years with all the miles between us.
I know that you are always up for an adventure, a concert, bonfires and barn parties. Whether you all are in New York, Denver, Arvada, or even, CU Boulder (*gulp*), I can honestly say I still hold all of you dear to my heart, love you all and am so proud of all that you are accomplishing.