So, let me guess. You're about to head to college, and time is quickly running out before you have to pack up your whole life and move to a new city with new people and new adventures. Opportunities to make memories with the friends you grew up with are running thin. All your closest friends are going to separate parts of your state or even different parts of the country. You're not entirely sure when the next time you'll see them after you all go your own ways is, and you're getting a little freaked out.

"What if I don't make new friends? What if my childhood friends forget about you when they make their own new college friends?"

These are all normal thoughts that flow through everyone's mind before starting their new life in college. You're not alone in thinking these things. And then the time comes when you have to plan your "final goodbye" before the first of your group has to leave, and it sucks. It's sad, tear-filled, and scary because you just have no idea what the future holds. I urge you to find peace in knowing that everything will work out. I assure you that while you and your friends will make new friends and find a new group in college, real friends always stick together no matter what.

Leaving for college is SCARY, but you will make some of the best memories with old and new friends.

Those varsity soccer glory days with our cheesy ear warmers.Kristina Loza-Garcia

First off, the key to making friendships last is something that can apply to all relationships: never stop putting in effort and communication is key. We meet up every chance we can and still make sure to keep each other updated on new things happening in our lives. And don't feel down if your friends get a little busy with life and don't check in as often as usual. A phone works both ways. If you have time, send a simple text reminding your friends you're thinking of them and you hope things are going well.

Also, make sure to set aside time to catch up when life calms down. My friends and I have made so many more amazing, unforgettable memories together since our glory days on the high school soccer field or the day we flung our graduation caps into the air because we've never stopped putting in the effort to hang out and talk. The strongest friendships don't end just because of a little bit of distance. It's not easy to maintain friendships, but it is worth it.

Furthermore, don't be afraid to introduce your new friends to your old friends. I am no stranger to my high school besties' college besties, and I love it! It fills my heart with joy to know that there are people making my best friends happy in their new homes away from home, and it makes me even happier being invited to get in on that happiness and feel like a part of their new lives. A huge part of doing this is taking time to travel to each other's respective college towns when possible. We travel to see each other when things are important. Don't let a few miles keep you from still going to celebrate a birthday, experiencing a tailgate at another school, or even just going to visit their new apartment or meet their newly adopted dog. You make time for the things and people that matter.

My girl gang has stuck with me through the best and worst of times — from silly middle school heartbreaks to telling them about my amazing experience studying abroad. They've shared in both my hurt and my happiness. These are the girls that are no doubt going to be standing in my wedding well after we've all left college and started our adult lives. No matter where we go, I know that they'll never be too far away. I truly believe that we are better friends now than ever before. They are my family, and nothing, not even college, could tear us apart.