Congratulations to everyone reading this on being introduced to Riley, legendary 1D fan, OG bestie, everything good and kind and fun. You are the single kindest person I know. She is so incredibly thoughtful and y'all will never truly understand how funny she is. She deserves every little treat in this world. This stunning and compassionate woman and I met when her brother decided we should be friends in early high school and we became inseparable. Thank you, Case, I owe you eternally and I am grateful to have a big brother like you.

I was introduced to Kelsey around February 26th 1993, forced into a sibling relationship that keeps shaping me. From my fashion, music to supporting my crazy ideas. She is a creative, funny and kind person. She showed me growing up that being yourself is the best way to be. I can't wait to keep learning from her and being a weird and fun uncle to my nephew and niece. Thank you, mom and dad for the best built in friend I could ever ask for.

The sun goddess has arrived, the plant mom extraordinaire, the most compassionate and thoughtful person on this EARTH. This absolute angel completely changed my college experience for the better. She never fails to make me giggle, I feel like she is joy incarnate. I've never met someone who is so incredibly personable and has never met a stranger. We first met when our fellow lab member suggested we start hanging out with each other. I am so thankful to Jules for giving me you, shmef.

Everyone claims college is a lot of things. Well one thing is true I met my two best friends. Depending on who you ask I either met Jonathan at a Halloween party or in one of the many meteorology classes we had together. I have learned so much from him from Thermo dynamics to embracing my nerdy side. He was always willing to help teach and understand something. Complicated things such as skew-ts to how to build a rocket ship in a video game. Even if our podcast never got off the ground I know I can always go to him to ask a weird question or pitch our new idea. Thank you, MSU or Halloween for bringing Jonathan into my life.

Up next, the mom friend of all mom friends, mrs. never missing supplies, always looking out for others, everyone's caretaker, Lucia! She is so fun and smart and sweet and she is always considering not only other people's needs but also their wants-planning my bachelorette knowing she won't be able to be there- also a kickass hair stylist, thank you for my perfect wedding hair. We met when our boss asked her to help train me and said we'd make good friends. Thank you, Haley, for introducing me to my feisty Italian angel.

Everyone give it up for the main event- the only person (I think) I squeal *every* time I see her, whitneyyyyyy. She is rowdy and direct and caring and funny. She is everything I love about myself and nothing I don't. How did a work friend become such a light in my life??? Whitney and I met when our supervisor said we were similar and would be good friends. Nancy, you are a blessing in and of yourself and the fact that you brought whit and I together means the world.

Everyone claims college is a lot of things. Well one thing is true I met my two best friends. Depending on who you ask I either met Chase at a Halloween party, in one of the many meteorology classes we had together or during one of my performances in improv. I believe he asked me " How did you get your face to close in on itself?" I learned from Chase about working hard, being an amazing friend, and still having a great time. I can remember seeing him go to class, then go to work then come study for exams. It still blows my mind. He is always there for anyone he calls a friend. Don't even get me started on his amazing fashion sense. I know he will be there to lend an ear be it hypothetical questions, a new business idea or what to wear. Thank you, MSU or Halloween for bringing Chase into my life.

My first true friend in vet school, my rock on the floating rock, my love, my partner..... in crime..., my Caro. We didn't really find each other, we were thrown to each other. She was the only person I knew was a friend for a very long time on the island and she and I made our little island family starting with the two of us. She is the handiest, most considerate, generous, gracious, and ingenuitive person I know. We met when a roommate suggest we talk to each other. Grace gave me you and for that I am grateful.

My ultimate introvert, always ready to joke, passionate, and driven Amazonian Scottish queen, my vice......president, Kait. She is so strong and follows her heart and values always. I love seeing you stand up for what you believe in. I'm very lucky to have such a strong advocate by my side. Kait and I met when a mutual friend brought me to a get together and sat me down next to her to make friends. Thank you, Ashley, for my very own Strawberry Tallcake.

Justin was introduced into the Martin clan by my sister. First thig I can remember is Justin is always ready to laugh and what a distinct laugh. He is a kind, caring and compassionate. I should know. When I broke my leg the second time he came and stayed with me for a week or two. Crashing on a futon and helping me with every thing. I am beyond thankful that Kelsey brought him into my life.

The last, and *certainly* not least, of my amazing party is my sassy, silly, sweet, and unstoppable roommate, Cassie. You are constantly working on yourself and help contribute to all of our growth the whole while. You are so dedicated and passionate and I'm lucky I get to work AND live with you. Cassie and I met when a classmate suggested I bring my woes to her (and no, neither of us really knew Cassie at all). Carla, thank you for sending me into the arms of someone who has now become one of my best friends.