Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Student Life

9 Reasons You SHOULD Keep In Touch With High School Friends

No, I'm not just another person who is "stuck in high school."

Brooke Przybylinski

Jun 12, 2019

Pennsylvania State University

345

Brooke Przybylinski

College changes many of us in so many ways, but as someone who is halfway through college, I pride myself in saying I've kept my high school friendships. No, I'm not "living in high school" (heck, none of us would ever want to go back to those days), but I'm proof that you can maintain friendships even after high school, even after meeting new people. Of course, if a high school "friend" never really was a friend, then yes, it's time to move on. But keeping friends from those years is important and here are a few major reasons why:

1. They are an impartial ear when it comes to concerns in college.

Sometimes, you get the best advice about friendship or relationship drama when the listening ear (or ears) don't personally know the people involved. You will get far more objective advice about that awful Tinder hookup or your struggle to balance your course load when the person listening can look at the bigger picture. Oftentimes, you will get a more unique perspective from somebody who does NOT attend your school with you.

2. There are endless things to talk about in conversation because you can always update them on changes going on in your life...

College can often be a wild time, and it's always great to have more people to hear all the stories you can tell. Since all of us go to different colleges, it's crazy and very interesting to hear all that my friends experience (and share what I've experienced). With the time apart, there are many events that happen so you won't run out of things to talk about like you would with someone you see daily.

3. ...or perhaps you can gossip about changes going on in the lives of others.

Yes, you can reminisce about high school without being "stuck in high school." We love talking about all of the crazy things that happened to our former classmates since that is the common ground we still share. From engagements to people who "went wild," our high school roots provide some great material for conversations and can keep us from talking about college all the time.

4. Real friends shouldn't be discarded as distant memories.

Just because you're in college doesn't mean you should just burn the bridges with everyone from high school. You can't forget all of the ways those friends have helped you grow and change and all the ways they made your life better. Of course, if certain high school friends are hindering your personal growth, then cut them off. But remember, in most cases, you were friends with these people for a reason.

5. They can sometimes help you make connections even when you're away.

As cliche as it sounds, it's a small world. I've found that many people I've met at college have connections with my friends at home. Or my friends at home have connections with people I know at college. It's mind-blowing that I've moved nearly four hours away and can still make connections. But it's always great to expand your network when you discover who knows who, rather than cut off a chunk of your network.

6. Coming home won't be miserable. In fact, you might actually look forward to it.

Despite all that college has provided for me, I still look forward to coming home because I know I still have people there for me. Whether it's a lunch date, a night out, or a weekend away, there are plenty of things to do even when I'm not at school. It's the perfect opportunity for all of us to catch up, and I'm always DYING to tell people about some of my experiences.

7. They helped shape who you are and the direction of your future.

You are the person you are today because of your friends--your friends of today, two years ago, or ten years ago. You've grown so much as a person because of the friends you've had by your side through it all. So why cut them off just because of the recency effect? I'm thankful for the friends I've made many years ago, and I value the friendships we have, so I'll work hard to maintain them.

8. Balance is important.

You'll meet many wonderful and interesting people when you're away, but from everyone you meet, it's always good to keep a healthy distance. You'll probably have many amazing memories with your college friends but the memories hold so much more value when you spend time with other people too. Keeping a healthy balance between friends will make the friendships mean *that* much more.

9. You can never have too many friends.

Friends are great, so it's never worth cutting them off for no good reason. Some of your high school friendships have really stood the test of time (I'm going on 13 years with some of my friends), but those matter just as much as the newer friendships you've made (maybe more). Having friends from all different times in your life keep your life interesting. And keep you happier.

From Your Site Articles

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

36131

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

99418

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

9 Reasons You SHOULD Keep In Touch With High School Friends

No, I'm not just another person who is "stuck in high school."

1. They are an impartial ear when it comes to concerns in college.

2. There are endless things to talk about in conversation because you can always update them on changes going on in your life...

3. ...or perhaps you can gossip about changes going on in the lives of others.

4. Real friends shouldn't be discarded as distant memories.

5. They can sometimes help you make connections even when you're away.

6. Coming home won't be miserable. In fact, you might actually look forward to it.

7. They helped shape who you are and the direction of your future.

8. Balance is important.

9. You can never have too many friends.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Student Life

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter