Why let High School End without a Friend

School: a place of dread to some, but to others, their safe haven; a wreckless environment to some, but to others, the place where their future will soon take off.

It’s entirely too crazy for us, as high school students, to imagine a life beyond the walls of the place we’ve called home for practically our entire lives. We get asked questions like “where are you going to college?” or, better yet, “what are you going to be?”, and think quietly to ourselves how far we are from knowing, yet how quickly the days are approaching. To imagine someone who has their future plan in line seems astounding; however, they may be closer than you think - maybe, a friend?

An increasing amount of studies have shown that with the right friends throughout their school experience, children are more prone to a successful and influential experience. Don’t get me wrong, having the wrong friends’ influences surrounding a child during school won’t always be considered good; however, it is incredibly common that the positive atmosphere will help push them through school. In an article written by Laurie Futterman, titled, “Beyond the Classroom: The importance of friendship for success in school”, states that children “tend to have better attitudes about school and learning when they have their good friends there”.

You might be thinking, “What is a good friend?”, but the answer is in the question. A good friend is someone who is quite simply, good. They lift you up when the only direction you think you can go is down. They can make you smile during the worst times. They are someone who has your best interests at heart, even when they could make other decisions to benefit themself. A good friend is someone who is not only vital to have a better experience, but they’re someone who is necessary for success because nobody can do it alone.

When asked the life altering questions like what our plans for the future are, it can not only be intimidating, but alarming. Nonetheless, Futterman ensures, “ the friends [kids choose…] may determine the academic path they take in the years to come”. When talking to Lizzie Hardbarger, a Junior here at Licking Valley, she told me that “[her friends] have made her high school experience so much better than if she had no one,” also, “they’re so important to have because having those close relationships can really shape you into being better prepared for the future”.

The power that a friend holds can make or break a child’s reputation, and more importantly, the steps in the direction of their future. The only question left is: what kind of a friend will you be?