Taking away from someone else will never make you any better.

The biggest ingredient in a best friend is someone whose actions you respect and who you can truly be yourself around.

I want to speak up and tell you that mascara and clothes don't make you cool, neither do name-brand handbags, but being a leader can.

I encourage all of you to seek out teachers and mentors that challenge you to think for yourself and guide you to find your own voice.

If you're picking your best friend based on what kind of clothes she wears or how popular she is, chances are you aren't going to stay in touch after graduation.

Picking a best friend who stands up for what she believes in, is true to herself and allows you to be yourself without judgement of how 'cool' you are? Well, now you're picking a friend for life.