All my life I have been what some might call a loner. I had gone through elementary school with two best friends, both of whom had moved away by the time I was in sixth grade. When I received my course list that year, I didn't expect much. I was in a class with a group of girls who had been best friends since kindergarten. I had tried to be friends with them, but I never really fit in. No one begged to sit with me either. I was sad most of the time and didn't even have anyone to talk to about it. When I found out that in pre-algebra we were getting kids from other schools, I was really hoping that maybe one of them could be my new best friend. I didn't know that was exactly what was going to happen. The first day they arrived, I was a little nervous. I didn't think any of these kids would actually want to be my friend. I didn't think very highly of myself at the time. As those kids waltzed through the door, I felt myself shrink in my seat. They were all pretty and seemed like happy people. I shyly sat in my chair hoping I could pass the year unnoticed. I did it for about a semester. I came back from vacation dreading going back to school. I walked into the math room, ready to end the day. Instead, we got new seats. I remember waiting for Mr. Nolan to call me, desperately hoping that my new table companion wouldn't make fun of me. I sit next to a girl named Erin Kruger. She was never very loud in class, but she was seen talking to her neighbor from time to time. All I thought about was how I could impress this girl who seemed to have just about everything going for her. I immediately envied her. She wore this teal eyeliner that I wish I could wear, and she had enough paper in the middle to talk to me. I want to thank you for handling all my crazy things. And most importantly, thank you for being my friend when no one else would. The majority of my fond memories are based on you and the people you introduced me to. I would be so depressed if you weren't in my life. I will never be able to express how much you have helped me in life. I want you to know that you saved me in so many ways. I love everything you have done for me and I regret not having known you sooner. You taught me how to be a good friend. You introduced me to new books and new music. You brought me into your life and I am so grateful. I could go on for hours about how much you mean to me, but there isn't enough ink in the world to print a paper that big. You have changed my life for the better and I can't thank you enough for that. I love you, Erin.