All my life I have been what some people might call a loner. I had gone to elementary school with two best friends, both of whom had left when I was in sixth grade. When I received my class list that year, I wasn't expecting much. I was in class with a group of girls who had been best friends since kindergarten. I had tried to become their friend, but I had never really fit in. No one was even begging to sit next to me. I was sad most days and didn't even have anyone to talk to about it. When I found out that kids from other schools were being invited to pre-algebra class, I was really hoping that maybe one of them could become my new best friend. I didn't know that's exactly what would happen. The first day they arrived I was a little nervous. I didn't think any of these guys actually wanted to be my friend. I didn't think highly of myself then. As these guys walked through the door, I could feel myself shrinking in my seat. They were all nice and seemed like happy people. I sat shyly in the chair hoping that I could go through the year unnoticed. I did this for about a semester. I came back from break dreading going back to school. I entered the math classroom, ready to end the day. Instead we have new places. I remember waiting for Mr. Nolan to call my name, desperately hoping that my new tablemate wouldn't make fun of me. I sit next to a girl named Erin Kruger. She was never very loud in class, but every now and then you would see her talking to her neighbor. All I could think about was how I could impress this girl who seemed to have pretty much everything going for her. I immediately envied her. She was wearing this teal eyeliner that I wanted to wear, and she had way…half of paper…enough to talk to me. I want to thank you for dealing with all my craziness. And most importantly, thank you for being my friend when no one else would. Most 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 have saved me in so many ways. I love everything you have done for me and I regret not having met you sooner. You taught me how to be a good friend. You introduced me to new books and music. You brought me into your life and I am so grateful. I could go on for hours about how much it means to me, but there isn't enough ink in the world to print such a large sheet. You have changed my life for the better and I can never thank you enough for that. I love you, Erin.