Friend or Foe?

Friendship can be one of the most meaningful parts of high school life, and for Junior Brynlee Wilwand, it’s all about connection, laughter, and honesty.

“A good friend is someone that you can easily have fun with and laugh with,” Wilwand said. “Someone you can talk to no matter what and just have a boppin’ time.”

Making good friends in high school, however, isn’t always simple. Wilwand believes it depends on the people you surround yourself with and the effort both sides put in.

“I would say it depends on who you’re wanting to become friends with,” she explained. “With certain people, yes it’s easy, but with others it’s pretty hard.”

Even when life gets busy with classes, sports, and activities, Wilwand tries to stay connected with her friends through small, meaningful gestures.

“Just making sure you say hi to them when you pass and plan hangouts even if they aren’t super often,” she said. “And asking them how they’re doing and when you do hang out, getting all caught up.”

When it comes to what holds a friendship together, Wilwand believes that honesty is the most important quality—even when it’s a choice between honesty and loyalty.

“I think honesty because I’d rather be hurt with the truth than be happy with the lies,” she said. “A loyal friend is nice but they will just tell you what you want to hear and not always what you need to hear.”

Of course, not every friendship lasts forever. Wilwand has learned that letting go can sometimes be just as important as holding on.

“I’ve learned that not all friendships are meant to last forever. Sometimes letting go will be the hardest thing but the most beneficial.” Wilwand said.