A Letter To All College Graduates From The Friends You’re Leaving Behind

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To my graduating friend,

As I write this letter, I find myself pressing the backspace over and over again. I go back and forth between wanting to start by describing the forever memories I’ve made with you and being ankle deep in the sayings you’re going to hear repeatedly within the next month: “I’m so proud of you” and “welcome to the real world.” The selfless truth is, I am proud of you and I know you’re going to thrive and shine in whatever you plan on doing. But the selfish truth is, I’m going to miss you.

With the weeks narrowing down to your graduation date, I reflect back on all of the memories we’ve made and how we lived in the moment, despite knowing graduation day would creep up on us faster than we could blink. Like many college students who go to different schools, we met at a party. From the very first exchange of words, I could tell that you were someone I wanted to stick around, but I never imagined that one day we would be as close as we are now. It went from talking up storms and laughing like there was no tomorrow when we would see each other here and there at parties, to communicating every day about everything and anything, and even becoming one of each other’s biggest supporters.

It’s crazy to believe how in under a year, someone can become such a big part of your life.

Between the laughs, the late night talks, the tears, and all of the adventures, these moments are something I’ll keep close to me for the times I miss you and can’t just shoot you a text saying “come over” simply because I want to hang. Instead, I’ll have to make plans in advance to be able to fit in your graduated lifestyle. Regardless of not having one of my best friends close to me 24/7, I am so grateful to have been able help you and be part of this crazy journey that you’ve succeeded on.

It is challenging to put into words how proud I am of you and all of the wishful things I desire for you in the future. With that being said, I want to draw this note to an end with this quote from Confucius: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

Life has a funny way of playing games, so no matter what it brings you, just do it with all of your heart. I know you will. I know this because no matter what the situation is that we’ve endeavored together, you’ve brought your whole heart with you and always seemed to turn a negative situation into a positive one. Just remember that when life becomes tricky.

So cheers to new beginnings and the new life you are about to embark on. Just promise to visit your favorite undergraduate when you’re around; then again, you’ve never been one to break promises. I’m so excited to see where the graduated life takes you. I cannot wait to see all of the incredible tasks you’re going to take on and all of the inspiring things you’re going to accomplish.

Miss you already,

The undergrad