The start of the Fall semester is only a week away. It is needless to say that for those living on campus, they will be separated from the friends from home that they had the whole Summer to hang with after being away from them for most or all of the Spring semester. For me, leaving my friends behind is difficult because I have known most of them since middle school, so they have a bit more meaning to me. I am also the only friend in the group living on campus, so I will be missing out on whatever activities they participate in.

To the friends I've known since middle school,

I know me leaving for school may not be such a big deal to you guys; you might even be happy that I'm going away soon because I am so difficult to put up with. But it's a huge deal to me, and I really need you all to understand that.

I have known most of you since the sixth grade, which was eight years ago. Although we didn't really come together as a squad until probably freshman year, I've never remained this tight with a group of friends for this long. I know it sounds unbelievable, but I would not joke about this.

It means the world to me that you have chosen to deal with me for all these years, even as we truly become adults. To be honest, I never thought we'd still know each other after high school, but 15 months later, I now feel that nothing can stop us. Don't get me wrong, we're all becoming busier than ever - many of us have started having serious relationships, countless hours at our jobs, and of course, college - and I'm sure that some day, we will not be as close. But no matter where our lives bring us, we will always have each other to remember.

As much as I am looking forward to being back at the good ole' Bridgewater State, I'm still going to miss hanging with you guys. I'm going into my second year of college and it still feels weird not attending school with you. It doesn't help that I am the only one that has chosen to live on campus while many of you are commuting to the same college and seeing each other all of the time. But no matter where we are in the world, I want you all to know that I will always be there for you. You guys have never failed to be there for me when I'm having girl troubles and other issues, and you've still accepted me for who I am after all these years, so how could I not return the favor?

Sure enough, I will try to visit home more often this year so I can hang out. Although we have trouble coming to agreements when we try to make plans, we know how to have fun together. Our late night bowling trips, gaming sessions, car rides, and bro dinners are times I could not imagine enjoying as much with other people.

I want to wish you all the best as you go on your respective pathways. I've known you all for a long time - I know you'll do great things.