I believe that everyone has a soulmate. No, I'm not talking about the person you're supposed to fall in love with and marry. I'm talking about your true best friend. This is the person that came into your life unexpectedly, whether it be on the playground in preschool, or in your first year of college, and you can't imagine your life without them. This person is absolutely irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. They are your other half and the missing piece to your puzzle of life.

I found my soulmate in 7th grade, when she told a joke in math class and I was the only one who laughed. It wasn't very hard to become friends with her, because she is the most outgoing, hysterical, sociable person I know. Instantly, we clicked. I'm so glad I laughed at her stupid joke that day, because ever since then we haven't stopped laughing together. And since that day, she has always been there.

We made it through the awkward middle school years together, which consisted of side bangs and way too much Picnik photoshop. She stuck by me during pointless 8th-grade relationships and never-ending tween-girl drama. At that point, I knew she was a great friend, but it wasn't until the high school years that I knew she would be in my life forever.

At the start of our freshman year of high school, we had a giant friend group that would hang out every weekend. But, as we all began to change and grow, that friend group dwindled and parted ways. Of course, the girl that I bonded with in 7th-grade math class over doodles of pancakes and burgers didn't go anywhere. Instead, we only grew closer. And by the time sophomore year rolled around, we were completely and utterly inseparable.

This girl deserves a round of applause for everything she has put up with in the past couple of years, because I know I can be a stubborn pain in the a** sometimes. But more importantly, she deserves a thank you.

Thank you for always being there to catch me when I fall. No matter what, I know I can always count on you. And while I have many people who love and care about me, you are the one person who will never make me feel like a failure after I tell you all of my mistakes. I can talk to you about anything and everything without the fear that you'll judge me, because I know you won't. Also, I'm sorry if I'm not always as open-minded as you are, but I learn from you every day.

Thank you for making the best of every situation. We could be stranded in the middle of nowhere and you'd still find a way to laugh about it. You're the kind of person everyone should aspire to be because you put everyone around you in a better mood.

And most importantly, thanks for choosing me.

I love you, Kayla. Here's to many more years of laughs!