In the time I've known you, I've seen you become a different person. Not in the sense of a completely different attitude, but I've seen you grow stronger, happier, wiser. Your life has been a train that constantly derails, but chugs along relentlessly. Each of you have faced your own demons and battles, wishing the world would just stop as your mind raced with worries. Instead of giving up, you continued. You prevailed and inspired me.

You've built me up when I thought my foundation was lost. Through each year and mountain I was faced with, you were there for me, supporting me even if it wasn't directly. Family matters, insecurity, mental illness and physical obstacles all got in my way, and at times, I felt that giving up was for the best. When I got really sick, you were there for me, even though I didn't know. Each hug, smile and text helped make me stronger. Thank you. The encouragement from you made me want to recover, to be happy again, to show myself that I can do this and that I have a life worth living — I mean, I must have done something right to be blessed with someone as great as you in my life.

I am proud of you.

For some of you, our friendship will end as life continues on. It's not my intention, but people grow apart; they change. Our casual conversations will turn into annual happy birthdays on Facebook and the occasional Christmas card. No matter what happens to us, know that you are a force to be reckoned with and that people are proud of you no matter what. We both will be meeting friendly faces along our journey, and those people will come into our lives at the most important times. Your friendship is important, and even if I am the victim to a college separation, those who you will have in your life will be so lucky to have you.

College is going to be hard. It's different and unfamiliar. There are different pressures and expectations that we each will be faced with. It's OK to be scared, nervous, lonely, overwhelmed, confused and nostalgic as you continue on with the next step of your life. It's OK to be feeling whatever you're feeling, but it's not OK to give up. I know you, and I know you want a future for yourself. There will be times where it seems easier to just throw in the towel and leave, but the easy things in life do not get us anywhere — It's the hard that makes life worth living and sharing. Things will get hard for me too, but know that I will be fighting and winning the battle against my demons, with Erin by my side, because I want to tell my future kids stories of you and be my own inspiration. No one says college isn't worth it. Hold on to that when things get tough.

You shaped me into the person I am today. Sarah allowed me to be myself fully as she accepted the good and the bad, and proved that childhood best friends do exist, my musketeers too. Kyra gave me the the ability to be inclusive and considerate of others' opinions, while also being headstrong and kind; Sara taught me how to find the beauty in everything, even myself, and Maddy showed me to always look for the silver lining. Nicole helped me build my confidence to speak my mind and share my opinion, and Mikayla taught me how magical "Parks and Recreation" is (and the gift that God truly is). Tori showed me it's possible to love yourself with imperfections and all, and Erin helped me enjoy the mundane and boring things while also demonstrating just how a powerful bond can take you places. Jessica and Suman helped me embrace my interests and joys, and Tarah helped me embrace my struggle and learn from it. Thanks to Romessa, I now know the power of looking at the world through different perspectives. Heidi and Michaela taught me to be a warrior, while my church group aided me through each step. Tayler reminded me how simple it is to pick up a conversation from weeks prior. Carmen, although I've never met you, you were there for me at a time I wasn't even there for myself. I still struggle with self-loathing and the insecurity related, but I can say that the parts of myself that I do like are ones you each helped shine.

My musketeers, best friend, sisters, gal pals, biffies and cuties: please continue to fight and smile. You are unstoppable, and I can't wait to see the world with you. I will be eagerly waiting the day you turn 21 and we go to Universal Studios to see where "Sharknado 3" was filmed. I'm still holding onto to our Irish Farm with our one cat. One day, you'll be getting a photo of me with a lampshade on my head, as I compete in Rubik's Race and beat you. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are you. As we each continue on our next journey, know that your heart is pure and that I am rooting for you.

I love you. I am proud of you. And I know there are amazing things in store for you.

Thank you from the bottom of the broken heart you helped heal,

Goofy, Meg, Grace, Bae and the 52 other aliases you gave me