“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus on day so I never have to live without you.”
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus on day so I never have to live without you.”– Winnie-the-Pooh
One of the best portrayals of friendship can be found amongst the characters of A.A Milne’s famous children stories Winnie-the-Pooh and the House at Pooh Corner. The bond between Christopher Robin and his stuffed bear speaks to children of all ages. We all long for the simplicity of the Hundred Acre Wood and the friendships that can weather any trial; especially during those scary times of facing heffalumps and woozles. Solid friendships are an essential factor of success. Everyone needs friends.
While strong relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, they can be a stumbling block during the final season of high school. For many students, the friendships of high school were forged long before graduation. It is not uncommon for a group of friends to have been together since middle, elementary, or even kindergarten. It can be extremely difficult to part ways with someone after spending every school day together for nearly 12 years. Separation anxiety is a very real aspect of the college decision. Despite whatever opportunities higher education might offer, the idea of leaving an important person or persons behind is often unbearable.
College choice, however, is too important to be based on any other individual. Too often high school seniors simply pick whatever school their best friends or boyfriend/girlfriend will be attending without any serious thought of whether or not that school is the right choice for them. Friendship is too often considered the most important factor when choosing a school.
The four years after high school are some of the most important in terms of adulthood development. Graduating seniors of 17 and 18 look very different than their 22 or 23 counterparts. Therefore college is really an individual choice. The school that is right for one friend is not necessarily right for another. It is in a student’s best interest to pick the path that will allow him or her the freedom to optimize their potential. Four years is a long time to commit to a place only because it is where your best friend is going.
Just because you might be the only one from your high school going to a particular school does not mean that you will be alone. The social aspect of college is one of the best parts of the experience. Getting involved with campus activities will quickly immerse you into your new environment and give you numerous opportunities to make new friends.
Likewise, going to a different school than your high school friends does not mean losing their friendships. Winter, spring, and summer holidays are great times to exchange stories and catch up with your old schoolmates. While it is true that your different experiences may cause you to drift apart, this is just as likely to happen even if you go to the same school.
College is a wonderful time to learn, explore, and grow. Don’t t fetter yourself to one particular place exclusively because of your friend(s).
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