To my dearest friend,

I would like to use this platform to express truth—my truth. In doing so, for the next few stories, I want to write for the people who have made the greatest impact in my life. I thought- “Why not start with the young woman who was once just a member of my section but then became my go to person.” This is Ashley’s story.

The story for everyone starts the same- you meet someone, click, and become lifelong friends. But, the story of a friend becoming a practical sibling is something so special and unique it can only be told through the parties themselves.

I met Ashley the end of my sophomore year of high school at a marching band experience night. She was in eighth grade at the time and was too timid to play her saxophone in front of everyone else. I didn’t pay much attention to her at the time but we did our usual. All the upperclassmen made fools of themselves while mimicking stands-tunes’ dances as the incoming freshmen class gawked in fear. After that night, I didn’t see Ashley until she joined band the following semester.

Her freshmen year, we were in a show entitled “War.” Ashley was still too timid to play in front of people. That aspect made me see a piece of me in her. I was never a really good player until my junior year, so I encouraged Ashley to keep fighting the good fight because she could soon be section leader.

Her sophomore year, I was the saxophone section leader. The whole section was certain that I played favorites, especially for Ashley. And, well, they were most definitely right. She tried her best at everything she did and I didn’t see anything wrong with that. That year, we got fourth in state finals. After band season, we hung out a few times a week, but not as much as we used to. But there was still a routine. Every few days, I would go to the band room and hang out with my friends. This routine kept me in contact with all of them. However, my life took a turn for the worst after my mom passed away the end of my senior year. I didn’t have many people I could turn to. Even in those dark times, Ashley was there encouraging me to keep fighting. I spent most of my time in the band room- the place I felt most safe with the people who are the most genuine and kind kids out there. I still had three more months of high school and Ashley was determined to make them great amid so much sorrow. That year, she went to my prom and graduation. She stood in the audience as I got my high school diploma with the happiest look on her face. She became the friend who was proud of me, and, at that time, I needed that.

Her junior year, we were making a long-distance friendship work when I was in college up the coast. Each time I had a break from school, I would hop on a plane to be with her again. From the movies, trips to the mall, to the seemingly endless photo-shoots, Ashley made me feel welcomed, loved, and cherished. She invited me to all of her family’s holiday traditions. I baked lasagnas on Christmas day and ate endless appetizers on New Year’s Eve. She never forced her family onto me. She allowed me to gradually become accustomed to being comfortable around people out of my own family. She supported me as I decided to study in Pennsylvanian and move so far away. She even encouraged me to seek counseling when I started school to ensure my mental state when she wasn’t around. I owe her my life in more ways than not.

It is my privilege to know her and for her to allow me to bask in some of her lifelong memories. She let me pick out her corsage for her junior prom, help her in applying for section leader, and give her kind words of encouragement when she has boy trouble. Some nights, we would stay up for hours planning each other's weddings and picturing our lives in the coming years.

All throughout high school, Ashley would say how much she admired me. Little did she know was that I was the one admiring her. Living with her spirit has shaped me into the person I am today. She went from being this kid I helped in band to a young woman helping me through college.

Although this was just the story of Ashley and I, I challenge all of you to embrace the friends around you. Putting up a shield to guard your heart will only hurt you. I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for Ashley. She’s gotten me through stress, the flu, and keeps picking me up whenever I feel sad. These past four years, love, have been times to remember. I can't wait to see all that you will become. It has been and always will be my pleasure being someone you can turn to.

Thank you to my fellow section leader, friend, Queen, and sister, Ashley