Friendship is something that puzzled me for most of my life. I struggled with the notion about who friends were, and what they could ever do for me when I was young. Then high school happened.
I did have some companions in middle school, but high school was where I found some of my closest friends. I was scared, and coming out of what I would describe as depression, into a new public charter school that would be the first of its kind. It was super small, but it had a lot of character.
At this school, called Palmetto Scholars Academy, I found a variety of people that I could chill, laugh, and relate to. It was an elevated feeling compared to middle school. Since I was in the smallest grade in the school, it was easy to know everybody. I would look forward to interacting with them every day, and it was great. These people accepted me for my ecstatic behavior, quips, and identity, and even embraced it into their own lives!
They were there for the good and the bad, and will always have my back. When you graduate from high school, the dynamic changes a bit since everyone is busy. But, they keep you in your thoughts, prayers, and schedule!
These people are important to me not because of their loyalty, memories, and support, but they helped me move on from a dark time in my life. They helped me embrace myself, look forward to my dreams, and keep moving. For that, I thank you!