In life, we all befriend people who are older than us. Whether they are our siblings, teammates, peers, or role models, and whatever that age difference may be, there is nothing more painful than the thought of losing our dear friends once they leave for college. We want to be happy for them, but we are blinded by the fear of being forgotten once they are dazzled by the fabulous parties, people, and of course the education that college has to offer. The stages come racing through our brains, the endless possibilities and "what ifs" that come with the fear of losing a friend.
1. The initial excitement.
Yes! You made it! I’m so proud of you for every standardized test, every long grueling week waiting until Friday, every terrible teacher. That's my best friend... go, best friend!
2. Wait.. Does this mean I won't see you every day?
No more stealing each others food at lunch? Or late night cramming at the library? No more Dunkin runs after school? This can’t be true…
3. Let's make the most of every moment!
If you have to leave me, we’ll make the most of the time we have left! We have the whole summer ahead of us, right?
4. I don't even want to look at you. You're leaving me in threemonths. I'm so angry.
Forget making the most of each moment. What’s the point? You’re just going to break my heart.
5. Wait this is gonna be awkward.. Your graduation party is tomorrow.
Of course, it's not going to be awkward because you have no idea that I'm feeling this sad! But now I have to buy you a card and gift relaying my "feelings of excitement for this new chapter in your life" when in reality I'd rather lock you in my basement so you can't leave me.
6. A bouncy house?! I can't believe I spent a second questioning our friendship-- I LOVE YOU!!
There is seriously no problem that a bouncy house can’t solve. So, yes, I had fun at the party and may even be feeling some genuine excitement for you...
7. Acceptance.
So yes, next year is going to be different. New faces replace the old ones. Maybe you're more than a drive away, and maybe you're not. But to an extent, we have to realize that just because you cannot be physically around us 24/7 doesn't mean that you aren't with us. One phone call, one text, one drive, one flight. That is all it takes to be with someone you love. Effort can be made and shown in seconds, despite the temporary separation. One of my best friends described this phenomenon to me when she said that, "Distance really means nothing when you're connected with someone in so many different ways."
Our relationships with people are constantly changing-- and that is not a bad thing. New people are constantly being introduced into our lives, and that doesn't make relationships with old friends any less valuable. The people who matter to us will always be the people who matter to us. Something as trivial as "school" is not going to change that, and being upset or angry with you isn't going to stop you from leaving.
The best thing I can do for you is promise to be here waiting eagerly for you to come back on break, wish you luck, and support you in all of the amazing things that I know you are going to do in college-- and in life. But most of all, I can thank you for the impact you've had on me through high school thus far-- and make sure you know that I will carry the memories with me in whatever life has in store for me next.
