As everyone knows, going off to college is one of the most terrifying and bizarre events in a person’s life. After eighteen years of being cooped up in one place with the same people all the time, you are suddenly exposed to hundreds of new people, ways of life and ideas. The entire thing is clearly overwhelming and sometimes, among the schoolwork, extracurricular activities and trying to make and maintain new friendships, friends from high school can fall by the wayside. However, those friends from high school can sometimes be the best ones out there and here are six reasons why keeping those people in your life is insanely important:
1. They just get you.
In high school, you spent roughly eight hours a day for five days a week with these people. They have seen every mood, every fashion choice and every phase of your life for the past four years. They know what you mean from just a simple look or a cough. Your new college friends are still adjusting to you and whatever your “hungry/tired/just plain done” look is but your high school friends can tell even over Snapchat.
2. Long distance friendships can actually make you and your high school friends even closer.
One of my best friends and I were always close in high school and talked everyday and did almost everything together, but I personally think one of the best parts of our friendship has occurred since we went away to college. She’s currently about five hours away from me so it's hard to visit but we make sure to keep in constant contact by always texting or Facetiming. Sometimes we even write each other letters or send little gifts of things that we saw that reminded us of the same person. It's such a great feeling to have someone to talk to all day who knows me and understands me.
3. You get to learn about all these other schools without actually going to them.
After looking at dozens of colleges, you have finally chosen one but even the most content person with their school is a little curious about what goes on at other colleges. At least for me, I love hearing about other school’s different traditions, clubs and sporting events. And now you have an excuse to visit these places! Sometimes things at other schools can even inspire you to want to bring something new to your school. For example, my best friend is in a musical theatre club, something my school does not have and I am now hoping to try to form one of my own. I would not have even have thought of that if she had not told me about hers.
4. They are perfect for a pick-me-up whenever you need it.
New friends at your college can sometimes be insanely busy or maybe you don’t have the energy to explain your entire history with a certain person and you just want someone who understands things right away. This is where your high school best friends come in. They know everything about you and will sympathize with you when you’re upset when that one guy from home said he would keep in touch but didn’t or when you failed a test. Your college friends could maybe see this as an opportunity to give you advice but your high school besties will know that this is not the time.
5. They won't judge.
Made out with that totally adork-able guy down the hall that your college friends think is totally weird? Maybe omit that info from them but your high school friends will just high five you (or scold you depending on the situation) and move on with their lives. Plus, you wont have to live in constant fear that they are going to run into him in the cafeteria and mention your little hook up that would rather not ever be mentioned again.
6. The reunions are so beyond worth it.
Whether it's going to visit them at their school, them coming to you or everyone meeting up at home, the reunions between you and your friends are one of the greatest times of your life. No matter how long its been or how far away you have all previously been from each other, the second you are all together, everything just falls into place and it's like no time has passed. One of the main reasons why this happens is because even when you are apart, you continue to love and support each other.
