Everything You Want To Say To The College Friends You're About To Leave

Dear you,

If you're reading this, congrats. We've officially made it. From the days of being awkward freshmen, moving onto campus without knowing a single soul, we've come quite a long way. We've found a group of people who became like a second family to us; we've endured a countless number of all-nighters; we've survived the awkward hookups; we've made memories we will never forget and we have, quite simply, had the time of our lives.

Looking back, it all seems to have gone by so fast. How is it possible our freshman year was four years ago? How can the people we've grown so accustomed to seeing every single day will soon be distant friends? How is it that nearly every aspect of life as we know it will soon be changing?

While it may not seem real at first, as we will most likely treat this summer like it's just another break between our college years, the harsh reality will soon set in. Instead of returning back to the place that we've so fondly called home for all of these years, the truth is that we'll each be going our own way now.

Whether you're going back to living with your parents, moving into an apartment with friends or taking on life all alone, one thing is for sure: The real world is going to be a heck of a lot different than the one we've grown so accustomed to during our time in college.

Within the course of just a few weeks, all we have grown to love and have become so comfortable with will quickly come to an end. As much as we may hate to admit it, the post-grad life will be a complete 180 from the lives we have created with one another for the past four years. While it may seem easy to get wrapped up in bundle of emotions, we should look back on these years with happiness.

We've had experiences that some people could only wish for. We've been lucky enough to find a group of friends who have welcomed us with open arms. Although they may no longer be around for a spontaneous day drink, night out, ice cream date or shopping trip, they will always be just a phone call away.

The excitement lies in the fact that we have created these memories with people we will always be able to fondly look back on these four years with. While it may not be possible to show up on each other's doorsteps at midnight, we should find comfort in knowing that the reunions will be even more special now. Because the next time we'll meet again, we'll be able to look back and laugh. Together, we've faced it all.

We've been each other's support systems and have successfully gotten through some of the toughest times. We've seen it all and we've done it all. We've laughed, we've cried, celebrated accomplishments and mourned losses. We've been there through all of the highest highs and all of the lowest lows.

No matter where we end up, one thing will always be true: There is no amount of distance that could ever break the bonds we've created these past four years. No number of miles could ever break our eternal connections, for we've grown to know each other over these few years more than some friends do in a lifetime. We've stepped out of our comfort zones together, and we've made a place away from family feel like home.

We've created lifelong friendships during this time. We've seen each other at our best and loved each other at our worst. To the class of 2016, here we are. Here's to the memories we will always share. Here's to all of the laughter and tears.

Here's to the day parties, the poor decisions and the classes that once seemed impossible. Here's to the bonds that will last our entire lives no matter how far we may be from one another. We did it. So, raise your glasses and throw your caps. Here's to the future, and here's to us.

Sincerely,

Your lifelong friend