Staying Friends After One Of You Graduates From College
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Friendships

It May Be The End Of Her Time At College, But That Doesn’t Mean The End Of Our Friendship

Graduating College: It's so not okay. I can't even describe how not OK it is but I am going to try.

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It May Be The End Of Her Time At College, But That Doesn’t Mean The End Of Our Friendship
Grace Gilbert

HELP! My best friend, kindred spirit and "big" is graduating in a couple of weeks.

On bid day, August, 2017, in a twist of fate, Madeline became my "Bid Day Big." I loved her instantly. Later, I would learn that she had prayed that morning to be given a "Bid Day Little" that was really awesome. Our paths were meant to cross and build a bond that we will have for life. After all the celebrating and picture taking on bid day, she took me back to my dorm to pack for the new member retreat. This meant I had to officially say goodbye to my parents, who had come to bid day. I knew by the way she put her arm around me when we walked back to my dorm room and helped me shake off my sadness in leaving my parents that she was a forever friend. Madeline would then become my permanent Big and I couldn't have asked for a better role model.

We became those kinds of friends where if it was a Friday night there was always a "What are we doing this weekend?!" text. We owned every dance floor. If something exciting happened she would be the first person I would tell. If something bad happened she was there to pick up the pieces. We couldn't make enough memories together or take enough pictures. Everything we did was the best time ever. In just a few short months Madeline got to know me incredibly well. She became that soul sister that I could laugh and cry with.

There was just one problem: She was a grade older for her pledge class. Which means not only would I lose her a year early like most bigs and littles, but TWO whole years. She also studied abroad spring semester of her junior year. Considering how little time we have had together we really made it count!

I know she will come back and visit, but I can't imagine my day-to-day life at Bama without her. Her presence in my life is something I am incredibly grateful for. I don't picture her not being at date parties next year. In my mind I see us leaning over ZAP photo proofs ordering all the silly pictures we took. I imagine having lunch with her at the house and still joking about boys or telling funny stories from class. I see us grabbing breakfast at Heritage House on a random Wednesday just because we can. I see us having more pool days. I see us having more gym dates. The end of all of that doesn't seem real.

I guess if you love someone you have to set them free. It's her time to shine and venture out to the great big world. And I actually am really excited for her. I trust in our friendship so much that I'm not worried about what will become of us. I'll just miss her a lot. Like really a lot.

What's scary and crazy is that this August I will be the age that Madeline was when I met her for the first time. In a blink, I've watched her ride the time warp of a magic carpet ride that is junior to senior year of college. But knowing that she went through it and how those years have shaped her makes me excited to embark on that same journey.

I'm blessed to have met her and I know that when she goes out in the world it will give her the chance to impact more people's lives the way that she impacted mine. She will make every place that she goes to even better. She will make some office Christmas party way less boring. She will be the most exciting thing on my calendar whenever she decides to come to visit.

Madeline, I love our past memories, and I wish I had way more of the present with you. I know you're ready for the future though. You're gonna kill it. But when you miss a T-shirt Tuesday or nostalgically crave Fried Friday, I'll be here for two more years if you want to visit and be a college kid again for a weekend.

I guess I will be OK without you. I might burn your diploma so you have to stay. But really, watch out world, my girl is coming for ya!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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