College is a time of transition. We move away from home and are expected to learn and know everything in a short span of four years. In some essence we feel alone. We loose a sense of comfort because our whole world changes. Our life is not what we knew it to be.

This is a time when we learn how to survive and become independent but we cannot survive alone. Instead we branch out and meet new people. I did not count on the fact that some of my best friends would be from another country.

To all of my Canadian friends I have met along the way,

I think it would be appropriate to start this article by saying thank you. I could not imagine my college experience without having you all by my side. Each and every one of you have had a major impact on me. Thank you for being some of the best friends I could ever ask for. I love hearing stories about how you were raised and the cultures and environments you were all exposed to as children. Although similar to mine, there are significant differences. These differences are minuscule because we do not let our cultural backgrounds affect our friendships-it has only made us stronger.

The best part about having Canadian best friends is the fact that you are all foreigners but you speak English. We avoid having to deal with any sort of language barrier. Well technically not, but then again you do pronounce words strangely. Like ‘aboot’ or ‘soary.’ Sometimes I accidentally pronounce words in a Canadian accent because I am constantly surrounded by you all. Which leads me to another thank you. Thank you for letting me make fun of your pronunciations. Even though you fight me on it, I promise you, us Americans are correct.

From day one I knew we would all be the best of friends because you know good food when you see it. Whether we go to a fancy restaurant or Buffalo Wild Wings, we can hang with the big boys. I am most proud of exposing you to the endless amount of American food chains. Thank you for letting me show you the “American way” and taking all of your chipotle virginities. And yes, you are welcome for the fact that it is now a staple food chain in your diet. Thank you for bringing back some of your maple syrup or should I say, the liquid gold for me to devour.

Despite your good food choices there is one problem I have. I will never accept the fact that you guys would choose Tim Horton’s over Dunkin' Donuts. I guess this is one argument we will have to agree to disagree on.

Hockey, Hockey, Hockey. Canadian’s love their hockey. I’ll never understand the obsession you all have with this sport, but I respect the passion. Even though I cannot contribute to most of these conversations, I know this is something important to you and your culture.

Last but not least, I have a place to come visit. You can show me around and take me on Canadian adventures, feed me poutine, play some ice hockey or whatever else you all do for fun. And you better take me out since the drinking age is only 19. You have some competition, because Americans know how to have a good time.