Gathered around candlelit dinners for date night in a dim restaurant, Valentine’s day is usually devoted to romance with a loved one. However, the importance of friendship has grown to represent this holiday into what many know as Galentine’s.
Throughout the flow of life, many decisions are made that are uncontrollable. Life changes at a quick pace, but one thing that people can always control is who they choose to be their friends. During friendships, we are able to shape others, learn our important values and grow as better people.
Friendships come and go, and oftentimes, people have learned from them. As children, we have vague memories of swinging through monkey bars or jumping on trampolines with neighbors, cousins, and people in your third grade elementary class. I could not remember half the names of the people I played with, as from such a young age, we did not have cell phones to communicate with one another. These people were my first friends. During recess my friends and I created a band, and this taught me that I was not born to sing or dance. Simple lessons like this have helped develop my meaning of friendship.
All friendships teach us crucial lessons in unpredictable ways. At CVHS, I have been welcomed by a diverse community that has allowed me to broaden my horizons. This diversity allowed me to immerse myself in new cultures and take on different perspectives of the world.
Vaani Gupta, a fellow CVHS classmate and best friend, who takes deep pride in her Indian heritage is one example of this. Through the past three years of knowing one another, Vaani has introduced me to the traditions of her culture. I have had the opportunity to attend Diwali parties, try home-cooked Indian meals, and dress in traditional Indian lenghas. Coming from an Asian-European background, I wasn’t exposed to the Indian community, but through my friendship, I have found new interests. I have learned about the value of opening my heart to trying new things and gaining new perspectives.
Friendships throughout high school teach us valuable lessons about loyalty, especially during times of change. Reflecting back, I realize how much I have evolved since my freshman year, both mentally and physically. I have grown and had friendships come and go. It is a natural part of life to outgrow some friendships; it lets us discover deeper connections with other people. Through these experiences, I have learned to embrace changes with an open mind and heart. As we develop personal opinions and perspectives, it is necessary to acknowledge that not everyone will have these values. With time, we must learn to adapt and find beauty in differences that make friendships more heartfelt.
The key to a prospering friendship is sharing joy and support for each other through all times, not about keeping score but finding joy in each other’s successes. Real friends celebrate your wins rather than try and compete with each other. They stand with you when times are tough. Friends help comfort you and offer you understanding.
Being a junior in highschool, everyone is very college focused. Rather than trying to compete about extracurriculars or grades, friends set aside these topics and try to support you. It can be difficult to find people that do not try and one up you, but these are the people to be grateful for forever. People have ups and downs and it is important to not solely compete.
Finding people who do not attempt to one up you may seem difficult, but these are the people you will cherish forever. They are always by your side no matter the situation to remind you that life has ups and downs and not everything is a competition.
The true meaning of friendship is a treasure of life and a daily reminder that you do not have to go through life alone. As we grow and our values change, friends are always there to support, laugh and share joys with. This is why the true heart of Valentine’s day lies in friendship. Galentine’s Day is a day to honor the people who stand by your side on a daily basis and prove that platonic love is just as strong as a romantic relationship.
Cheers to celebrating those who enrich our lives and brighten our day! Happy Galentine’s Day!
