(EDITOR'S NOTE: Sandya Nair is a senior-to-be
at Lubbock High. In this essay, she discusses why it's important to have
as many friends as possible).
By SANDYA NAIR
"A shoulder to cry on," "a hand to hold on to," "someone who will listen."
These are all phrases that help one conjure an image of the ideal friend.
However, rather than associating with only one or a few select people,
it's important to have a large and diverse assortment of companions. Everyone's
ideal friend is someone who possesses interests, hobbies, and values similar
to one's own.
In reality, it is virtually impossible to encounter someone conforming
to one's conception of "the perfect friend." Yet, it is important not
to become dejected or detached from one's peers after realizing that no
one is "the perfect friend."
Instead, it is imperative to acquire pleasant friendships with several
people who share different similarities with oneself. For example, one
friend may share one's interest in sports while another friend loves to
Consequently, one befriends so many people with different characteristics
that comprise one's preconceived notion of the ideal friend. Therefore,
one fulfills his or her quest for the perfect friend by seeing the image
of the ideal friend through many people with different qualities rather
than searching for one person with many qualities.
Association with many people also leads one to have an experienced outlook
on life because by mingling with different people helps one understand
diversity by opening oneself to people of several different backgrounds.
Thus, one realizes different aspects of life vicariously, through one's
Furthermore, having a variety of friends encourages one to engage in
new activities. For example, one who has never swum befriends a swimmer,
and they both begin to enjoy taking swimming lessons at the local pool.
Exploring new activities with a friend can be both rewarding and exciting;
however, it is important to always retain one's personal sense of identity
and respect regardless of what friends may do.
Therefore, having a variety of friends is very rewarding and satisfying
because of our need to associate with certain personality types. After
all, Robert Louis Stevenson once said, "A friend is a gift you give yourself."
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Trey Reynolds is a junior-to-be at Roosevelt High
School. In this essay, he discusses why it's important to have a small
circle of very close friends.)
By TREY REYNOLDS
Why is it better to have a few friends than a large group?
When you look at this question there is an obvious answer at first:
you could be closer to a few friends than you could with a large group.
However, upon further examination you will see that having a few friends
can be beneficial in all areas of a person's life. Close relationships
with friends are the basis from which we learn to have lasting relationships
with the opposite sex.
Also, in times of need, the large group mostly could care less for your
personal needs. However, a smaller group allows you to confide in them
and work through your problems.
Close friends are more likely to stand up for you in a situation where
you may need the help of someone else.
The large group is more likely to dissipate and leave you to stand for
yourself when you have been knocked down.
In my personal experience, I have had a few close friends that have
been there for me for a long time.
These guys have been an incredible advantage to me and have kept me
accountable in all areas of my life.
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