There was a point in time in my life where I thought I could do it all alone and I'd be okay. I thought that if I didn't open up to others about my problems or I didn't let anyone in then I would never feel all of the emotions that came attached to my baggage. I had a lot of friends but none that really understood me and accepted me with all of my struggles and baggage. That is until I met my first true friends in college. This is my thank you note to my best friends, the first one ever to the most recent, that have shown me how important it is to open up and trust someone other than my mom.

I have grown up with life threatening food allergies to milk and shellfish. It was never easy but I never really let it get me down to the point that a good talk with mom couldn't fix. When I got to college a lot more stress from all different areas had hit me. It wasn't just the repercussions from my allergies that I struggled with anymore. I now struggle with relationships of all kinds, I struggle with my sport, I struggle with self confidence, I struggle with depression, and I even struggle with anxiety. And the funny thing is, I thought I could get through it on my own.

I was so wrong.

I finally understood why it's so important for humans to keep in contact with other humans to survive. I don't know where I would be without my friends that have come and gone and helped me through everything.

To my friends old and new,

I just want you to know that even if we don't speak like we used to anymore I want you to know that I love you and that I will forever be grateful for your existence in my life. I wouldn't be me had it not been for you. For the ones still in my life, thank you. For the ones that had to leave early, thank you too. You've all taught me precious lessons about life that I will use for the rest of my life. You've helped me through the hardest times and laughed with me through the easy times. But the biggest thing is that you showed me that it is okay to depend on another person, and that no matter what happens to that person the memories you share and the way someone touches your life can never be taken away.

I have changed so much in my college years and I just want to thank every friend that has ever been in my corner. You've done more for me than you could ever imagine.

I will always appreciate what you have done for me and I hope I was able to do the same for you.