New Friends, Old Friends.

Since graduating, I have noticed a distinct change that I had anticipated but had definitely not prepared for. I have lost touch with the majority of my friends that I used to see or at least text every day.

This is for my old friends.

I would spend a lot of time with Jessica, walking around Third Street every A day at lunch, sharing our love of Marlboro Smooths and Camel No. 9's and searching for good vintage clothes at the High Rack that has since gone out of business. We would always be able to talk about everything: boyfriends, male friends, the people we couldn't stand for various reasons. She was always there for me during the hard times and I was always there for her. She is still nearby but it's rare that I even hear from her. Jessica, I wish you the best in all your endeavors, and I hope to meet up someday soon, for old times' sake.

I spent many great days with Ashley. Though our plans rarely worked out, the times that we did hang out were always crazy fun. She never failed to point out, as Jessica often did, the times that I was being a complete moron, and the times that I was brilliant. I knew just where to find her, and I could always count on a conversation full of laughter. Her undying love for Marilyn Monroe always made me smile, and a brownie with a candle and a handwritten card was a wonderful birthday gift. It was great seeing her for sushi night a few weeks ago and being able to catch up. Ashley, I hope you're doing well and hope to see you again soon.

Sydney and I have been through a lot together. It started with Smosh videos in art class. We went on a haunted house excursion on Halloween, blasting 3OH!3 in her car and singing as loud as we could. We had a bonfire in her backyard, and made pink rice krispie treats and did aerobics in her kitchen late at night. We would hang out during lunch all the time, talking about the friend we lost to a cult-like church and going to Muchas to get the off-the-menu carne asada fries. There were great times in psychology and German class, and I will never forget the crazy skit we did that made Gebauer chuckle and the rest of our class stare. She's always been like my long-lost sister. Sydney, I miss you like crazy and I swear I'll get your birthday present soon! I'm crazy busy with Statistics though :P

Kevin has always been my best guy friend. It's scary how close we used to be. I always thought of him as the twin I never had. Whether it was ropes camp or cuddling with newborn kittens or hiking around Nature Park, I always had a wonderful time. Even when we had tough times we managed to overcome them and come back laughing. He knows me better than nearly anyone. Kevin, I hope this term treats you well and that we can spend some time together over the summer. I'd like to catch up and share some crazy college stories.

Kiwifruit and I haven't spent too much time together in person, now that I look back. I don't think I could have gotten through third year of ropes camp without her. But her obsession with Resident Evil and our roleplays brought us ridiculously close. Nothing like the power of collaborative fiction writing! She is a strong and independent woman and I hope to keep in contact with her long into the future. Kiwi, I have been calling you Kiwi for long enough that I occasionally forget your real name but rest assured I know it by heart nonetheless. We need to hang out so you can kick my ass at Resident Evil. Hope to see you this week in Portland! Best of luck in the near future at the Art Institute.

This is for my new friends.

Lauren is a fantastic roommate. Though she doesn't share my love of raw fish on rice, we both are a little kooky and crazy whether or not we are deprived of sleep. She is incredibly talented in everything she does. It's always a pleasure to come back to the room and discuss anything that comes to mind (namely, how much we should be cleaning and/or studying and how much we don't want to.) We have bonded over bettas and sugar cookies and many, many other things. Lauren, I look forward to spring term and hopefully seeing you often along the journey through Linfield!

The first and only person I've met from Turkey is Gulfem. She is a wonderfully enthusiastic person and completely brilliant. I don't think psych or music and change would have been the same without her. She is open-minded and accepting of everyone, and having her at sushi night was a blast. Gulfem, I can't wait till you're back in the States and maybe we'll run into each other between classes. I'll take you out to lunch sometime I hope!

To my old friends, to my new friends; I love you all and wish you luck, and hope to see you all very soon.

~Marina