Friendship is a concept that has lived on for centuries, which means it has long found its place in society, patiently waiting for us to choose it for what it's truly worth. Yet, it remains one of the things people often take for granted. We hear everyone talk about love, ambition, and success every day, but rarely do we hear about the friends who made those goals easier to reach.
For me, it’s never been that way. I’ve always regarded friendship as one of the most important parts of personal growth. I believe it shapes how we view human connections and interact with the world around us. And the most exciting thing about friendship is that it can be found anywhere, at home, in school, on social media, at a park, or even on a train heading to work. You never really know where you’ll meet the people who will leave a lasting mark on your life.
The university I attended was where I met two of my closest friends, who eventually became my study partners. I remember how difficult it was processing my clearance as a first-year student. Moving from one admin office to another, from one physical bank to another, and from one department to the next. It was during those stressful times that I met my friends, but our bond didn’t truly solidify until we started attending classes together.
It happened one day when we were waiting behind to sign our attendance for a lecturer's class, and while we were there, we engaged each other in a conversation that lasted over thirty minutes. Afterwards, we went together to apply for our student IDs and exchanged phone numbers.
After exchanging numbers, everything came naturally. We would call each other around 7 a.m. before our first class to make sure everyone was getting ready. If one person arrived earlier, they’d reserve two seats for the rest of us. That small routine grew into something special. We sat together in classes, exchanged notes, shared lunch, and even helped each other with our classwork when needed.
Over time, we began attending night preps together. After school, we’d go home to rest, then return to class by 7 p.m. to read. Those evenings were filled with laughter, stories about where we came from, and deep discussions about the unsettling happenings in our school's environment. But most importantly, we shared knowledge. When one person was lost in a math calculation or chemistry equation, another was always ready to help. We covered for each other, encouraged one another, and constantly pushed ourselves toward good grades.
For group presentations, I could always count on them to get things started. We always worked as a team and gave our best to every project. Looking back, I realize we never intentionally chose each other as friends or study partners. Our connection just happened naturally because our energies aligned. But I also admit that if we didn’t share similar traits, none of it would have worked.
Now, when I think about it, I see that my study partners were indeed my friends and they possessed all the qualities that mattered to me: proactiveness, emotional intelligence, willingness to learn, discipline, and above all, kindness. These qualities define me too, and that’s probably why we fit so well together. If I had to choose again, I’d choose them a thousand times over because without them, my university journey would have been a more difficult ride.
So, at the end of the day, a good friend turned study partner might be all you need to survive university. I hope younger students realize how important it is to make friends who align with their goals and values. That way, life in the school becomes easier, and if you’re lucky, you get a lifetime reward of friendship.
This post is a response to the HSCP-WK16 Prompt:
"What Qualities Do You Look For In A Friend or Study Partner?"
I invite
to explore this prompt and share their thoughts about it here
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