You told me the other day, while we sat in your basement talking about the future, that you know exactly who you are going to be, but don't yet understand who you are. I understood what you were saying. I mean, I know better than anyone what it's like to have identity problems. Still, I remember looking at you and not understanding what you meant, because since becoming friends with you years ago, I've always known exactly who you are.

I know that in comparison to me, you are a professional firework display over the ocean and I am a hand-lit sparkler that someone bought at a grocery store for 99 cents. I know that you'll deny this as fact, even as we both know it's the truth and that you have goals and dreams, and the talent to match. I know that while I'm working retail, you are working on changing the world in a lab. I know that I admire the enormity of the confidence you have in both yourself and your incredibly abilities. I know that I am awe of you every single day.

I know that you are a hurricane, while I am a single rain cloud. You are going to change the face of medicine, as well as the world. There is not one single ounce of doubt within me that you will become the best surgeon the world has ever seen and I cannot wait to see that happen. I know that right now, you are going to one of the best universities in the world, and you are going to graduate first in your class from said university. I know that you will have your choice of incredible medical schools, because I know they will all want you, and I know that even though I want you to go to Harvard Med, whatever school you choose should be considered gifted to have you among their student body.

I know that you work harder than anyone else I've ever met in my life and you are more deserving than any other person I know. I know that you're willing to put anyone above you and stop on a dime when anyone needs anything for you. I know that although you try to be invincible, you feel everything so deeply because you are one of the kindest, comforting, most empathetic person I've ever met in my life, even though you don't think that's true. I know that you've helped me more than you could ever understand and it's more than I can ever thank or repay you for. I know that because of that, I'm more thankful for you than can ever be understood. I truly do consider it an honor and privilege to be considered one of your best friends.

I know that sometimes you question your privilege and you don't think your doing enough for others and for the world, but believe me, you are. I know that everyday your mind is going in a million different directions, trying to solve not only your problems, but also the world's problems. I know that is because you have such a good heart.

I know the struggle of not knowing who you are. I don't know who I am, yet. It's understandable that you don't yet either, but you do know exactly where you are going to go in your life and career, and that is amazing. I am so proud of who you are and who you are going to be. It's okay to think that you don't know who you are, and it takes time to figure it out.

It'll take time for you to discover who you are, and who you are will always be changing. What you want to do and where you want to be may even change. But, with your perseverance and smarts, I know that whatever you do, wherever you end up, will be amazing.