We're our own brat pack, we're always kickin' back...

So this is what it feels like. To be done with your first year of college. It feels almost as surreal as the day I came.

I am sitting in my dorm room packing. No one else is on the hall, or no one I care about at least. My dad is coming tomorrow afternoon. And I am in awe of the amount of things that managed to fit into my room. Where did I get all these clothes?! I kind of like packing...finding things you forgot you had. Remembering special moments. That has been happening to me a lot tonight. I keep finding clothes or other little trinkets that bring back things that meant a lot to me this year. I'll go ahead and list some of them for you.

O-Week T-shirt: Packing up my Toy Story shirt, memories of O-week flood into my mind. I remember sitting in a circle in Daniel Lounge our first night playing ice-breaking games. At that point, Colleen was my only friend and we were cracking little personal jokes. I remember the dynamic of our hall during that first week and how different it is now. I admit, I didn't speak much during o-week. Just ask Tori or Katie. But I do look back on it rather fondly. It wasn't really fun, but it is the beginning of what has developed into one of the best years of my life.

River Sweatshirt: I was so jealous of Colleen's first semester. I thought it was awesome. Then her mom got me one over winter break. I love it! It's so soft and snuggly. Whenever I wear that sweatshirt I will think of our times together, Colleen. I know we weren't necessarily best friends, and we grew apart a little bit second semester, but I couldn't have done it without you. We must have some sleepovers next year for old time's sake!

Class of 2013 Water Bottle and Picture: At the beginning of the year, I didn't know anyone. I came from a different state and an introverted personality. But in the short 8 months I have been here I have made some of the best friends of my life. That picture and water bottle are so dorky, but I'm proud of my class.

"Peace, Love, and Togetherness" T-Shirt: Sara Beth, this one is for you. We are so dorky. But I love it. It's little things like this that make you so awesome! Whenever I wear that shirt I am going to think of our adventures, our heart to hearts, our friendship. I will think of you taking 300 pictures in a matter of hours, watching Parenthood each week, Glee and American Idol. You're hilarious and I love you!

Nerdy Fake Glasses: HAHAHA! I love these soooo much! Katie, I know Tori made fun of us, but we for sure rock them. They make me think of Sonic, harassing our waiter 3 bajillion times. My ever so embarrassing photoshoot. And I still stand by the fact that they help me concentrate. We are wearing them all the time next year.

Those are just a few of the things, but there are so many good times that I associate with my things now. I had this sensation as I was packing to leave for college too. Making my photo albums and filling my frames. I never thought I would be able to find friends in college, let alone ones I practically think of as family. I still love my friends from high school sooooo much! But I feel so blessed to get to have even more people in my life who care about me so much. I love each and every one of my friends so much, past and present, and no one can ever replace any of them.

Well, my clothes are calling me. I think it's time to finish up with this whole packing nonsense and get ready to embark on the next 3.5 months. Ugh...I don't even want to think about it.

Here is a song that I would like to dedicate to all of my friends, past, present, and future: