With the both the new year and the changes that come with college, I've been reflecting more on the meanings behind certain relationships I've had over the years, especially friendships. I've never been the person to have a lot of friends. While the idea seems nice, I've always preferred a close, tight-knit group of at the most three friends to be my support system. The idea of having four or five best friends overwhelmed me as a shy, withdrawn child, and even though I've grown out of that phase for the most part, I still prefer to keep it that way. In this sense, friendship has been and still is one of the most important parts of my life. Sure, I would like to have a significant other, but if you play your cards right, friends are for life. In this sense, here are a few thank-you letters to the friends, past and present, who have helped me become who I am today.

Dear childhood best friend,

We never talk anymore, but I hope you realize that I still think of you from time to time, wishing you well, no matter how different we are now or where our paths take us in life. You were my first experience at true friendship, and I thank you for that. Without you, I never would have had some of my best childhood memories: watching horror movies for the first time, getting to experience all kinds of delicious junk food, going trick-or-treating every year, swimming as much as possible each summer. I think, without you, all of those awkward and slightly terrible moments in middle school would have been even worse -- you quelled the beginnings of my anxiety. You were my rock that helped me through those bad times -- especially in sixth grade. Whenever I imagine growing up, I imagine spending many nights at your house -- so thank you for making my childhood memories all the sweeter.

Dear high school best friend,

I don't even know where to start with this one. Your presence in my life has changed me for the better in so many ways. For one, at the beginning, who would have thought we would have still gone strong almost four years later? It all started because you thought I was the smart one in Chinese to pair up with -- and history was made. I have so many good memories with you, and without you, high school would have been such a snoozefest. Thank you for teaching me to be less judgmental of others, for teaching me to stand up for myself, and to let my voice be heard. Thank you for going possum hunting with me. Thank you for listening to me when I needed help. Thank you for never judging me and accepting me for the slightly off, slightly sarcastic, very weird, but loving person I am -- I know I can be my true self around you and you'll never judge me. We've had our arguments, big and small, but you're the person who I would kill with. Literally, I know who I'm calling up if I have any dead bodies. Thank you for being you -- no matter what anyone says or how anyone makes you feel, you are special. You are my person.

Dear younger best friend,

Honestly, I didn't know how to describe you (Lights bestie maybe?) even though you act older than me most of the time. But that doesn't matter, because you're great. I don't think I've ever met anyone whose humor meshes as close to mine -- I mean, who else can I tease and know they won't get offended? Basically, Chinese was a great decision because I met you and my other high school best friend. Thanks for keeping me in check, listening to my whining and telling me to do something about it instead of continuing to whine, and always buying me the best gifts. Also, for our fun shopping adventures where we always buy too much. Seriously, we should probably stop that. Thank you for being my twin in so many ways -- what can I say, we have great taste. Thank you for showing me the definition of a woman who knows what she wants -- and will get it no matter what others think.

Dear chorus best friend,

Anyone been in chorus? No? Well, it's essential to have a good friend in any choir. While I love choir, sometimes it can be tedious and you need someone to laugh at all of your inside jokes and sigh when people just cannot reach their notes -- yeah, that happens. Well, this person and I have inside jokes galore, some of which I don't even remember much. While you and I don't talk as much, I still love checking in with you, even if life is getting down. Thank you for showing me the kindness that a person can hold in their heart -- no matter what happens to you, you always brush yourself off and stand back up with a huge smile on your face. That? That is true strength. This year has been a trial for you, but you have had so much grace and dignity through it. Thank you for showing me how to be positive through the hard parts, to take times to just cry -- but to always get back up.

Dear pen pal friend,

First off, you are one of the kindest people I've ever met, even though your life has had many hardships. I'm so proud of you for fighting your demons and winning most of the time -- you've made so much progress within the years I've known you and it makes you even more amazing that you do your best everyday. You've shown me that people with mental illnesses like us can get out in the world and do what we want -- even if it takes longer than we wish, it will happen. You're like my special mom who constantly reminds me of your love but also always calls me out on my BS. Also, you send the best cards. You are the Bilbo to my Pippin, the Nugget to my Lemon, the Sailor Mercury to my Sailor Moon. You are wise beyond your years but still learning, and I appreciate that. You don't give up -- you are small but mighty. Thank you for showing me what a true friend is, and here's to hoping we can be reunited soon.

Dear college roommate best friends,

All of you have helped me in this stage of my life tremendously and I don't know how to express how much I appreciate that. I was initially nervous to start college -- it takes me a while to make friends and I dreaded being the student who would always eat meals by themselves. That never had to happen because of you guys, because our little group instantly came together, bonding over all of our idiosyncrasies and the many fandoms we all share. Thank you for providing me with plenty of pizza filled nights, horror movie marathons, and tons of discussions on the wonder that is K-pop. Thank you for being there when I had to deal with the stresses of college and life. Thank you for being the friends that I know I'll have many, many years after college is over. Thank you for showing me I deserve amazing people in my life -- and thank you for being some of those people. You guys are the greatest.

So even if we don't talk anymore, don't talk as much, or still see each other daily, know that each and every one of you will always have a special place in my heart. Here's to great friendships, both those that have went on for many years and the new ones to be made in 2016. Here's to many more years of support, laughter, and happiness.