I am thankful for my SHS friends.

Four years have passed since senior high school was implemented in the Philippines. As part of the first batch of the program, it feels nostalgic to remember that I am now a senior in college. Time went by so fast. Now, I find myself happy with the people I met from different walks of life. The people with whom I shared tears and laughter.

I thought after my SHS graduation, everything will just fall apart – just like any other bond of friendship I’ve seen from my other batchmates.

However, it seems as if the squad I treasure doesn’t follow the trail of separation. We have different lives. Some of us pursue college while having part-time jobs. Some continue to work due to the situation that they have. As part of growing up, there are times that we don’t talk to each other. Sometimes, we don’t even know what’s going on in each other’s lives. Then, there is something that still lingers on. There is that string of friendship that we just can’t cut off.

It’s true when it lasts long.

Despite the years that come us, the moments we shared still linger in my mind. It remains a good memory that I treasure the most. I didn’t even expect to have friends at the time. I’m happy with my old friends. But, life has its way to make you meet new people. Or should I say… kasama sa kalokohan.

To tell you honestly, we didn’t just focus on kalokohan. All of us graduating with honors and awards became proof of that. Nevertheless, as college comes, our lives change. Others have taken different programs to take and some applied to different schools. The bond grew cold and rough. I believe every friendship experiences this kind of situation and I understand that we have different lives to live and paths to take.

I feel grateful that up until now the circle of friends I have still remains intact. Who would have thought that the simple incident of ruining my water bottle will become a way to have the friendship I have?

They helped me grow as a person.

They say no matter how strong the friendship, time and distance will continue to test you. However, I believe that it won’t just test the company. It will also define what friendship really is for you. In a circle of friends, there will always be that difference whether it be your personality or attitude. Despite having different traits, the stars didn’t let our bond separate. Luckily, those small yet hilarious moments of being a student allowed me to grow as a person. Thanks to my friends, I wasn’t alone when handling hardships and challenges.

I have worthy memories to treasure.

There are things in life that sometimes become easier or harder to spend time with friends. But, friendship is a lifelong endeavor that people should pay attention to in their life. Those friends who make life worth living are the ones we should treasure the most. I remember a thesis for senior high students was introduced. It tested our friendship as we decided to do the thesis as a group. We even inserted a manuscript in a window. That way, it can be read on time by our teacher. It sounded hilarious yet fascinating to do. We shared the hardship of believing that we can do it even if it seems so unreal.

Friendships aren’t forced. They understand that you’re not perfect. And, they don’t expect you to be. I realized that if someone wants to be your friend, they will come to you in their natural form. So, treasure them and let your friendship last longer than you expect.

To my friends who always stay with me… Hey, Leonil, Cyla, Charlene, Gian, and Cedrick, thanks for being the best during our Senior High School up until now. You are simply the best.