Coming into college I was so eager to find a place that I could call home. I grew up in a small town where having a solid group of friends was not an easy task. Since coming to college I have met five girls who make my life worth living every single day. Freshman year when I joined Alpha Delta Pi, I was overwhelmed with how many new people I was meeting, and with new friendships being formed fast I was worried I would never find my people, but they really do come when you least expect it.

My first friend and I had a slow but steady friendship and eventually we were attached at the hip. We sat next to each other at every chapter dinner and meeting, and although we had not become best friends yet, I just knew something about her was it for me. Who would have even guessed that a postdate party, on a whim conversation would make us roomies for the next three years and bring me the person I could never go a day without. Rachel, you are the only person I would want above me in our cutie little bunk beds, and my favorite good morning here’s my nightly recap. You are so patient, willing, and the funniest person I probably know.  I could not imagine being college roommates I have no clue where I would be in this life without you.

I had always heard that three was a crowd, but this trio is quite literally the best thing to ever happen to me. Macy, when I met you freshman year I was so intimidated by how smart, independent, and driven you are. I have never met someone so ride or die and I strive to be more like you every single day, you are simply the other half of me, and I will forever turn to you. We know each other like the back of our hands, and I cannot wait for you to be in my life for the rest of it. You have taught me to be a better person and keep my head on the ground.

My third best friend came when I least expected it, spirit week of sophomore year. We were an unlikely pair, sophomore, and seniors who from the outside look like polar opposites, but we could not be more compatible if you really know us. We are the perfect balance of each other, and from the second I met you I questioned how I ever went without you. You are my biggest role model in life, I pray that one day I will be even half as amazing as you are. From balancing being the president of women in neuro, zipping to every leadership event possible, and making all the time possible for the people you love you really do it all. Savanna, you have no clue how much you mean to me. Thinking about doing these next two years of college without you scares me so badly. You have no clue the impact you have left on me, and all of us. I promise to continue to follow in your footsteps to all of your favorite places and trust me I will think of you every second of the way & will forever call you at any inconvenient time of day just to hear you say hi. 

My next hero is truly one of my biggest blessings. I was so terrified to become a big because I wanted to be the perfect role model for someone, but if you know anything about me that just is not possible. Meeting Merritt brought a completely different purpose to my life. I have never felt so compelled to protect, love, and care for someone the way I do you. Merritt is quite literally the epitome of perfection. She texts me almost every day what she has for lunch, always sends me an invite to the gym even though she knows I’m too lazy to go and is down for anything and everything at any given time. Merritt, I love you more than I can explain and there is no bigger blessing than being your big. I cannot wait to see you grow and live the best years of your life and I will be right by your side through all of it.

My last hero I have actually known since before college. I came to her house one time with some mutual friends, and we immediately sparked. She helped get me through my last two years of high school when I was going through a lot more than I could handle. Lizzie, you have been here through so much of my struggles and have seen me through my highest and lowest. I knew you were an ADPI through and through, one of the most special moments I have ever experienced was being able to talk to you during preference round during recruitment and then run into each other’s arms crying because we both just knew this was where you were meant to be. You are intentional, strong, and carefree. Lizzie, you are someone I see in my life forever and I really don’t know how I would have made it without you.

My life without you five would just not be complete. There are a few other people I think would put up with my tentative schedules, five-minute recap videos, or consistently needing someone to tag along on my Taco Bell/sweet treat runs just so I don’t have to go alone. I never knew how much I would come to love my life because of the relationships, support, and growth I am given through you all. You guys are simply the best things to ever happen to me and I can confidently say that you changed my life for the better. You all are my bridesmaids, the aunts to my children, and my absolute best friends. I would never be who I am without you. To the people that bring me the biggest smiles, the hardest laughs, and the best crying hugs. Thank you all for pretending you’re not ever tired of hearing drake, but more importantly for the best moments of my life. Almost all of my best memories include you all. Let’s make the rest of our time together as chaotically perfect as possible. It’s us forever. I love you until I cannot love anymore.