Going into my freshman year at college, I didn't know anyone at the school. All of my best friends from home were going in different directions, and for the first time, I was on my own and friendless. That is until I found you guys. Even though it might've taken me a bit to find you and realize that you're my perfect fit, I wouldn't trade you guys for anything. I'm so happy that we're out of the awkward days where we could only talk about how our classes were. Now, we talk for hours about absolutely nothing -- and I love it.

Thank you for being so much more than just a passing 'hi' in the hallway. Honestly, now I can't even get you guys to shut up. I was so afraid of waking up one morning and realizing that I hadn't made any true friends yet. I'm so happy to say that I definitely have a few. Thank you for accepting me as I am and actually being there for me.

Looking back, we have so many memories from such a short time together. I feel like I've known you guys for years, when, in reality, we've only known each other for a few short months. I guess that's what happens when you live in dorm rooms, aka connected shoe boxes. Even to friends I've met in class, I'm amazed at how many inside jokes we have from only seeing each other twice a week. You've sat with me through boring lectures and rejoiced with me when we've gotten out early. Even if we never have another class together, thank you so much for getting me through just this one.

I cannot thank you enough for letting me vent to you all. You kept me from making bad decisions or getting into useless drama. Even when I knew that I was getting annoying, you still listened (or pretended to), and you have no idea how much that meant to me. When I felt completely alone in this school, you reminded me that some people actually did like me! On a bad day, that's all I needed to hear.

When my expectations of myself were too high and I felt like a failure, you guys did your best to try and make things better. Even if all I wanted to do was cry or wallow by myself in my room, you (physically) forced me to sit down and watch a movie as a group until I was crying from laughter instead.

Thank you for opening up and letting me get to know you. I've loved getting to know how each and every one of you ended up exactly where you are today. Some of you have hit some bumps in the road and are still learning from them. Others are in the middle of their bump, and still others have lived and learned. Each one of you is so unique, and so are your stories.

Most importantly, thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your love of God, Pinterest, fitness, cats, music, and everything in-between with me. I promise that I'll continue to listen even if we're approaching hour two and I feel like I'm in a lecture hall.

I'm so happy that we still have (at least) another three years to build our friendships. While our 'group' may be evolving and changing, I know that we'll always have each other to lean on when life gets hard. Even if we aren't all living together next year, I know that we'll remain friends. Somehow surviving freshman year together has made us close -- and you can't break that kind of bond. Your friendship has meant the world to me, and I can't wait to see what else is in store.