Being back home for the summer has allowed me to run into old friends and see people from high school. It's crazy to think that it's been two full school years since we all ran around in the same area every day. What I've come to realize this summer is that it has been two whole years since we all knew each other all too well. There comes a point in time, a point in maturity, when we all need to realize that some people have changed since high school, some people have been trying to better themselves, and you too should be attempting to get to know them now, before you continue to place the same judgement or stereotype that you did on them two years ago.

There's also a time in your maturity when you come to realize that holding grudges can only last so long. It can be exhausting to have all this bitterness in your life. There is no need for it. Instead of constantly ignoring someone, why not try to reach out to them and see how they are doing? Sometimes, silence means something. Sometimes, that person may be waiting for you to reach out to them, because they may not feel that you want to get over the people you once were too. Some people leave your life, it is upsetting and it may hurt you. What they did may of hurt you. However, the only way to fully get over something is to forgive. How unfair would it be to not forgive someone for actions they may have done years ago. They may not even be the same person now? The choice is yours, but when you begin to realize that forgiving and emphasizing friendships is more important than being bitter, you will feel a lot better about people and have faith that they can change.

There are some people in my life that I may not speak to anymore. Some may of hurt me, or I may of hurt them. You're allowed to be angry, upset, or to do what you need to do to stand up for yourself during that time, but eventually you realize that you'll still always care.

I hope that this summer, we can run into people from high school and give them another chance to prove you wrong. I hope that some people take the opportunity to reach out to old friends or to start a conversation with someone that once met a lot to you, but life got in the way. You'll never know how somebody feels unless you ask them. Once again, communication is key. I hope that this summer, we can all get over the hump of judgement. I hope that we can see people for who they are now, and who they hope to be. I hope that some of us are able to rekindle friendships they may of lost. If it was once a meaningful friendship, it is never too late.