Whether they are everyday routines like hanging out during lunch, or participating in special events such as Homecoming and BOTC, friend groups seem to be an active part of the SCHS campus. The classes, clubs, sports and activities students take part in often give them the opportunity to meet people that share common interests, bringing them closer together.
The STEM program at SCHS has allowed students to meet friends and create long lasting relationships. Junior Micah Keegan believes that the extensive time they spend with each other has helped bring them together.
“STEM was an important part of how we met, but I think we are probably going to stay friends for a very long time, like way after college too,” Keegan said.
Similar to Keegan, sophomore Hebron Mekonnen also met her friends through classes that she had with them. She mentioned how their friend group started over something small but grew larger and more closer as time went on.
“We met in science class because we were all assigned seats at the same table or tables close together,” Mekonnen said. “We bonded over our sense of humor, specifically a minion that was in the classroom that we always found hilarious.”
Even though she has not been a part of her current friend group for long, coming into high school, freshmen Ananya Das was able to connect with past classmates.
“My friend group at school is something that I just became a part of this year,” Das said. “I’ve known everyone since elementary or middle school through classes and mutual friends, but we truly came together once high school started.”
Having traditions with friends is something that Keegan believes brought him closer with his friends. An important tradition that Keegan and his friends take part in is the Super Bowl and the way they spend the day together.
“At the Super Bowl, we always come to my house, and we have the garage open because I live next to a field,” Keegan said. “We will watch the game, and then we can go play across the street.”
Das explained the importance of surrounding oneself with friends that make one feel happy. She believes that toxic friends can affect one’s life negativity and may be mentally draining.
“Choose your close friends wisely. Being acquaintances with anyone is obviously fine, but when you choose people to confide in, it is crucial to be careful,” Das said. “If you think anything is wrong or you have an issue, make sure to bring it up. Don’t stay quiet and continue normally as it may lead to serious problems down the road.”
Freshman Meena Swaminathan noticed that spending time with her friends has helped her cope with school stress, and she urges others to reach out to friends as a way to relax.
“Prioritizing my friends has really helped me through some of the academic struggles that I’ve faced,” Swaminathan said. “Since we all share a lot of classes and work, we can all rant to each other, and we all understand what everyone is going through.”
Along with having friends that bring positivity into one’s life, treating them kindly is crucial as well. To create long lasting friendships, Mekonnen believes that being understanding of each other is key.
“I would say that being patient and understanding is very important in creating a long term friendship,” Mekonnen said. “It’s important to be aware of our own actions and how they can impact others, so being thoughtful while being honest is key.”
For many, friendships are a significant part of the lives of students within and outside of school. Das expressed the speciality of having friendships and how they can have a positive impact on student’s lives.
“I don’t think the length or beginning of friendships hold any true impact on the strength of the friendship.” Das said. “Instead, I believe the compatibility of two people and how well they can stay together without any rifts is what defines a good friendship.”