This past week I had the chance to show my high school friends around campus, and it made me realize how special high school friends really are. It's important to meet new friends in college, but the importance of old friends cannot be overlooked.
1. They've helped you through all of your "firsts" and were there through all of the bad times.
Your first fail and your first A+ on a paper, they're there. They're there for your first sports game and the first time you take the stage in the theater. They know all the details of your first relationship and were there during your first breakup. You're bound together by the experiences you've had, and shared, with them, and they know every juicy detail of every big event. Your friends know about the hardships you've had in the past because they lived through them with you. They were there to support you through all the hard times, even if it was a simple text asking how you were doing. They're always there for you to fall back on, and will offer help without a second thought.
2. Your group chats are always the best.
Whenever you get a good grade or finally accomplish a goal you've been working towards, your squad's group text is the first thing you open. The group chat is filled with links to different articles, quizzes, and memes, and it's always a good laugh. The group chat is always active, especially when you have friends that go to different schools because sometimes it's the only chance you get to talk to each other.
3. Your friends know the same people as you.
If you went to a small school like I did, everyone seems to know everyone. It's easy to catch up with everyone's lives because at least one person in your group probably keeps in touch with them. The gossip is never-ending, and you always seem to know the latest news that's happening in the hallways of your old high school.
4. You've already had your fights and drama, so they're around to stay.
You've already been friends with each other for awhile, so the little fights don't hold much ground. You've gotten past all of the high school drama, which allows you guys to become even closer. You've been teenagers together, and you're going to go through adulthood together. The hard parts have already passed (well, at least hopefully).
5. Being away at college makes it so much better when you reconnect.
The days, weeks, or even months of being apart make the reunions that much sweeter. Over dinner, conversation is filled with so much laughter and "remember when's...". Planning a visit to one of your friend's colleges is an exciting event, and something everyone looks forward to for weeks. You also know that you'll have your squad to fall back on when summer finally rolls around and it's time to pack up and move back home, even if it's just for a little while.
