Growing up my mom always told me “a true friend is a forever friend”. I always took this corny saying with a grain of salt and figured it was just another one of those things my mom says, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I never would have imagined that four girls going to breakfast together on the random snow day on January 18th would have changed my life in the ways it did. I feel so lucky to be able to say that these people have become my best friends, my emotional support, and my family. It is so important to have a group that you can laugh, cry, scream, and fight with but no matter what it can always be hashed out over a Belgian waffle and iced coffee.

I am especially lucky because my friend group has come with three of the most important people to me who have all helped me in more ways that they even know. Samantha, the wise, independent, and strong friend; has taught me the way of reason. She always knows how to find peace in the absolute chaos of life, and has helped us all maintain sanity in the chaotic plan making of Sunday night Grizzly Rose outings. Baylyn, our sweet, caring, big sister; never fails to bring me immense comfort with just one hug and asking how I’m doing. Her ability to gauge someone’s mood just by looking at them is such a gift that isn’t overlooked. And lastly but definitely not least, Ava, my best best friend, who has never failed to be on the same page as me with just a glance across the room and understands my feelings better than anyone else, is the perfect missing piece to the big puzzle of our friend group.

 Through many adventures, from pool and lake days to trips to Fun Spot, first watch at 9 has always remained a place I considered home. Even though we are venturing into a new chapter of our lives, with Baylyn and Sam graduating and leaving for new experiences, Ava and I will always be here cheering them on and wishing them nothing but the best as we know they will do for us from wherever this journey takes them. We are so lucky to have found such a special connection with each other and I can confidently say that they will always be my things. As a teenager it’s important to find those people who you can rely on and can act as a form of structure. I am proud to say that Ava, Sam, and Baylyn are my three pillars and have helped me to stand. They have taught me to see the humor in dark situations, live life with little regret, and be proud of who I am. Even just a quick face time or a trip to Starbucks for “homework” has been exactly what I needed. So to my three best friends, thank you for everything, I love you all more than you know.