Value of  friendship

29th March, 2023, by Soyeon C. (G.12)

Graduation is coming soon and everyone will leave the school to go to their own destinations. Spreading to various regions, I and my friends will no longer be meeting frequently as normal and will miss others so much. Farewell is always sad, but whenever farewell comes soon, I tend to remind myself about the value of “gratitude”. 

“Friend” is the most valuable word for me. It has been proved that friendship occupies an important place in the growing body of literature on child development and gerontology (Sherman). 

We tend to meet a “life friend” throughout life and I met one in my middle school year. Even though she had a really different personality from mine, I got to be her best friend with her. Thanks to a friend who clearly examines right and wrong, I was able to judge objectively in any situation. Seeing myself growing one step further and giving synergy to each other felt proud. The fact that I could keep unforgettable memories of my middle school days such as playing mischievous pranks, sincerely rejoicing at happy results, and crying together, I felt grateful to her. We know that realization takes time and being grateful for the people who are next to me is even harder. However, I realized how strong the power my friend gives me is and that our feelings for each other will not change even if our bodies are far away.

Being able to recall positive memories enabled people to overcome difficulties("Recalling happy memories during adolescence can reduce risk of depression"). This means that the positive relationships formed with a friend linger until the future and gives the power to deal with hardships throughout life. Still now, whenever I have gloomy days, I reach out to my friend and console myself. 

The comfort that a friend gives is more than you think. One research says that adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of many significant health problems ("The health benefits of good friends"). As we enter society, we will face lots of agony and difficulties. As we interact with new people in society, our stress levels will increase and sometimes will suffer working with various partners. But, you still will have your friends comforting you. 

Before you graduate from high school, look around yourself and recall the past memories that you have spent with your friends. Before you leave, express your feelings and gratitude to them before they leave without knowing how thankful you are. Starting from now on, why don't you reconsider the importance and warmth of such a friend? And why don't you send a message to your friend who is coming to mind now to express gratitude and preciousness through a letter or phone?

Works Cited

"Recalling happy memories during adolescence can reduce risk of depression". University of Cambridge. (2019, January 14). Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/recalling-happy-memories-during-adolescence-can-reduce-risk-of-depression 

Sherman, A. M., de Vries, B., & Lansford, J. E. (2000). Friendship in childhood and adulthood: Lessons across the life span. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 51(1), 31–51. https://doi.org/10.2190/4qfv-d52d-tpyp-rlm6 

"The health benefits of good friends".Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 12). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860