Dear Circle,

I started college without knowing much of anything.

I mean that in a lot of ways. It was more than just a fear of grades and tests. It was a fear of being me.

I wasn't sure of how I should introduce myself to people. I wasn't sure of how to dress. I wasn't sure of what I was supposed to do with my life. There were so many new ways to act and look and seem, but I couldn't figure out which way was the right way.

And then I met you.

You were everything I'd wanted to be. You were funny and kind. You kept one another safe, happy and healthy. Most of all, you accepted one another, body and soul, and celebrated the beauty of individuality. There was no need to impress anyone or hide who you were. You created a community where good people could come together and take pride in their differences. In a big, scary place like college, that was exactly what I needed, and you welcomed me.

To my crazy, loud, fantastic friend circle: thank you for showing me that the best person I can be is myself. I have never felt more confident in the way that I am, and I owe much of my happiness to you.

You are a cast of characters I never could have imagined. You make me laugh on the toughest days. You help me to my feet when I fall down. You make it so hard to imagine the day when we'll have to say goodbye, but I know I'll never forget that some of my best memories were spent with you.

Thank you so much. You are like family to me. I can't imagine how much harder things would've been without you in my life.

I love you guys.

And to those who haven't found their 'circle' yet, don't worry. They are out there and you will find them. Just be yourself and the rest will go down in history.