Going to college not knowing anyone was one of the scariest things I have ever done in life. Looking back now, there was one major thing that got me through my first months of school, my high school friends. They were the ones who I would text non-stop during welcome week activities so I didn’t just stare at walls when I had no one to talk to. They were the ones who already knew me. When I did something dumb those first few months of college, there was no judgment from them over the phone. Three years later they are still a part of my life despite distance, new friends and the continued change. Here’s why you should never loose touch with your high school friends.
- They understand the old you and will be the ones to accept the new you as well. Your high school friends will be going through just as many changes as you during college. They will accept the new you as well.
- When you come home for the summer you can pick up right where you left off. It’s as if you never left home in the first place. The same nicknames, weird antics and crazy adventures continue.
- They are your comfort in the harder days. When things back home are hard, whether it be with a past relationship or family members, they get this side of your life the most. They will stay up late on the phone with you and send you the encouraging texts throughout the day to remind you that everything will be okay. Sometimes your friends from school won't get exactly why you are so upset about that one high school boy still, but your high school friends will remember why.
- When they come to visit you at school, it’ll be some of the best weekends at college. Since you haven’t seen each other for so long, you feel like you have to shove three months into three days. Somehow, you always manage to make it work. Not to mention, they can finally meet the cute guy you’ve been hanging out with and meet all your new friends. They will understand why you love your new home. It always helps to hear their opinions about your "new" life.
- Lastly, they understand where you’ve come from better than anyone else ever will. Your hometown will forever have a place in your heart. Whether it’s the roller rink that you use to hangout at on the weekends because it was the "cool” thing to do, the Taco Bell everyone went to after the Friday night football game, the cafeteria you spent too much time in complaining about the food or gossiping about everything you could think of. These memories you shared with them will last a lifetime. No one will quite understand your hometown memories like your high school friends will.
Whether you are going to college, starting a job instead of continuing your education or going into the military, keep in touch with your high school friends for life. Your ten year reunion is too long to wait and hear what they've been up to. The little daily texts, phone calls, Facebook messages... any minor effort can be the most important things.
