Morgan and I have known each other since I was nine and she was eight through horseback riding. At the time, we put up with each other, but after spending five days a week together for over ten years, we grew on each other (or it was Stockholm Syndrome -- hard to say), and now she's one of my oldest closest friends. She's that friend that you grow up with, the one who calls your mom, "Mom" (and sucks up to about her cooking). The friend who has been there through most of the formative events in your life, and the friendship that time doesn't touch.

Spencer and I have known each other since elementary school when we were in Mrs. Peterutti's first grade class together. We then spent most of the next 12 years in classes together, playing Cards Against Humanity with Bean, and making frequent trips to Gelato Fiasco -- a ritual that still happens with the three of us as much as possible. Throughout the years we've also connected in very Bowdoinham-Kid specific ways: both volunteering at the public library (though in different years), attending waterfront concerts and Bowdoinham Days, having our mothers together in book group and then sharing gossip from them (usually about each other). He's my favorite of all the Bowdoinham Kids.

Bean and I met in middle school through mutual friends. We became much closer in high school, when we sat next to each other in Honors Bio and AP Euro. We spent a lot of time together battling classmates with questionable morals in AP Euro, and almost getting kicked out of Honors Bio for laughing too hard (sorry Glevans!). Bean's the friend I call when I need to hide a dead body--or make a dead body. The one who's there at your back immediately when called upon, but might also be currently fighting frat bros to save a bat and giving you ulcers. My most loyal, chaotic, beautiful friend.

Paris and I met move-in day our freshman year of college at Gettysburg. Our rooms were right next to each other, and her mom wandered into my room having noticed my horse show ribbons. With that as a friendship launching point, Paris and I quickly became close, then roomed together sophomore-senior year. (Thanks Susan!) During our college years, we joked about whose majors were most useless, but since graduating, she's been saving the world in at least three different ways, and I'm not at all surprised. She's the Enid to my Wednesday.

Olivia is the sister I never wanted, lol, but I'm glad I got. Growing up, I was a pain in the ass to deal with and always gave her shit (because that's what older brothers do), but I always knew she could hold her own. She is better than me in most ways--intelligent, sociable, and empathetic. I asked her to be my best man because I know she will have my back like she always did growing up (even when I did stupid shit and deserved to be tattled on). I will never say this out loud, but silently, I couldn't be prouder of her.

Tatum and I met through mutual friends back in high school. We used to all hang out, where I would lead with my cocky dudebro attitude every time I opened my mouth. I don't even remember the bet now, but I remember Tatum not even hesitating to take me up on it, and I lost, and had to get her a donut from Dunkin. Since then, she and I started talking more individually and have become much closer as friends. In our friendship, I have someone who is very supportive (but not afraid to call me on my bullshit) with the same dark sense of humor.

Bailey is the son my parents wished they had. He's been with Olivia for so long, I don't even remember when they got together--it seems like he's always been around, and he's always been helpful. He also puts up with Olivia's bullshit and makes her happy. He's become family, holding his own against all the family drama, and being around through everything. I'm excited to officially welcome him to the family when he and Olivia finally tie the knot.