It’s that time of year back in every college student’s hometown. High school is wrapping up for the summer and students are chomping at the bit to break free of the classroom. Most of them will spend time during the summer months socializing with their friends, enjoying the great outdoors, and trying to earn some spending money at jobs like the local Dairy Queen. For one group of teens, this time of year is particularly significant. Graduating seniors are not simply saying goodbye to high school for the summer, but instead are saying goodbye to high school forever.
Saying goodbye to high school typically means saying goodbye to that close group of friends with whom you have hung for four years. Heading off to college means facing the somewhat challenging and somewhat frightening task of meeting new people and forging new friendships. But the folks you leave behind have a special place in your heart and should not be forgotten.
Here are some suggestions for keeping the bonds of your high school friendships alive even though you may be miles apart, pursuing vastly different paths.
Don’t just say you will keep in touch.
Do it. When you and your friends were in high school together, it was a snap to stay in touch. You saw each other each and every day. In fact, there were probably times you wished you didn’t see each other that frequently! When you head off to a school on the east coast and your friend will be a California girl, it will take much more effort to stay in touch. You will be compelled to text, to pick up the phone for a good old-fashioned chat, or to periodically send your bestie lengthy emails. This sort of staying in touch can verge on superficiality, however. You may find that you and your friends are exchanging updates like news reporters rather than sharing real heart-to-heart conversations. Dig deeper and try harder.
Realize that demands on your time may limit the extent to which you can retain high school friendships.
This means that even though you may have been one of those high schoolers who managed to befriend a throng of fellow students rather than limit your social life to just a few special guys and girls, chances are you are going to have to be more selective in the high school friendships you keep once you head to college. Be realistic when you return home on break. With time committed to family and the need to rest and recuperate, you are not going to have the hours that would be required to catch up not only with your besties, but also with your chemistry lab partner and the girl you sat next to in choir.
Make plans in advance of your visits home.
Chances are that most of your friends from home will be as busy as you are. They, too, have siblings and parents who will be vying for their attention, especially if they are home only a handful of times each year. Keep in mind, as well, that since two of the times you are likely to be home coincide with holidays, namely Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah, there will be other things on your agenda. If you communicate with your friends and set something in stone, you will be more likely to see it through. Make brunch reservations or check out a new art exhibit rather than simply touching base when you are already home and hoping you can squeeze in a visit with your friends.
