The saying, “I met my best friend in school,” is a common cliché, but for good reason. Many of the most meaningful and lasting friendships begin in freshman-year algebra, at the cafeteria lunch tables or even on the playground in kindergarten. The strongest long-term friendships are built on a shared history, being able to overcome disagreements and overall mutual understanding and support.
Sophomores Gia Hobson and Giuliana Cutajar met at Central Middle School through a mutual friend group and have been close friends since. Now in their second year of high school, the pair enjoy doing NDB cheer together, as the shared sport has brought them closer.
“We have grown closer and closer throughout the years, and I think that we both enjoy how we can talk to each other about everything,” Hobson explained.
Seniors Finley WilkeHiland, Anna Street and Maisie Street have been a trio since early elementary school. Throughout their years of being close, they have played soccer together and shared many of the same friends. When friends have been together for such a long time, it is natural for a friendship to grow, change and adapt to new situations and environments.
“Maisie and Finley met on the first day of kindergarten, and then I kind of joined their friendship in second grade,” explained Anna Street. “I think that we had a lot of similarities, especially in kindergarten. We liked a lot of the same things, like sports and hanging out.”
“I feel like our friendship has not necessarily changed. It’s just that more people have come into the picture. So like, in the beginning, it was just us three, but, like, our friend groups have evolved and changed, but we all have stayed close, no matter who joined,” Street continued.
It is friendships like these that shape school experiences. Anyone can find their person in their school hallways, and these best friends prove that the strongest bonds are those that grow with you. Friendships can fade over time, but sometimes the friends we meet in our early years become the foundation of our lives and futures.
