Dear college friends,

First off, the word "friend" doesn't do you guys justice. I could call you my best friends, but I think "my second family" is more appropriate.

I want to thank you for showing me what true friendship is. As a sophomore in college, I didn't know you guys existed 2 years ago. Now, I cannot picture my life without you.

Before I got to college, I always wondered who my friends would be. Going to a college separate from my high school friends, I wondered if I'd be able to make new ones. I was unsure if I could find another group of people that I could be my absolute self around.

During the drive up to college on move in day, I felt sick to my stomach due to my constant fear of the unknown. The idea of starting a new chapter by myself was a little daunting. Eventually, I learned I wouldn't be by myself for long.

Thank you for making my first days at college a smooth transition into my new chapter. I'm glad we grew together in experiencing a new beginning. Thank you for the memories made that will last.

You accepted me with open arms. Never did I think I'd find genuine people at college so quickly that would become my family, let alone find friends that could relate to my humor and quirks.

I want to thank you for the heart to hearts, the laughs that make my stomach hurt, and the various adventures we went on and will continue to go on.

Also, thank you for being there during the bad times, for seeing me at my lower points. During the stress-induced breakdowns and ugly cries, simply being there was enough.

Thank you for coming into my room with candy to cheer me up during one of those times. When you knew words would fail, you knew actions could help.

Thank you for the endless advice you've given. A person as indecisive as me sure needs it.

Thank you for motivating me when I felt like giving up. When I felt like skipping that class or felt like I wanted to stop grinding, you pushed me to keep going.

Also, thank you for supporting my dreams and and goals. You've done nothing but positively impact me.

Naturally, I lost some friends after high school. Thank you for defining the meaning of friendship to me even more in college.

Thank you for teaching me to never be afraid of the next chapter and helping me realize that everything works out as it should. Thank you for teaching me that the world is full of amazing people that I can truly connect with.

Thank you for coming into my life and giving me memories I'll always want to relive.

And thank you for loving me as I am. Me as a whole. With the good and the bad, the yin and the yang.