If there is a con of being an honor student that I have encountered when I was in grade school, that is finding a friend. A buddy, or whatever others call it— someone who will come with you and laugh with you during breaktime. I had few classmates that showed interest towards me, but I knew it deep down that they just want to benefit from me. There was a time when I allow them to copy my seat works and answer sheets, just to keep in touch with them. Little did I know, their intentions are not pure as mine. When I entered junior high school, I've promised myself to avoid toxic people. I did not mind having friends but as time passes by, it seems like I needed to have at least some people to accompany me through rough and smooth moments in my student life journey.

Fortunately, fate introduced me to these amazing people— though at first, I did not imagine I will be associated with them. How lucky I am to be blessed with wonderful creations that have stick with me through my lowness and highness. Recalling the days I have met them, awkwardness is the only thing I remember. We all admitted to each other our first impressions, and funny how those are literally the opposites of our genuine attitudes. Indeed, time will reveal the truth in all aspects. One of my friends told me, she thought that I have a cold heart and I am a snub girl based on my physical features. Reminiscing our memories brings comfort to our bond. Although our friendship will turn 3 years this year, we will make sure that it will continue and we will celebrate more years of friendship. I firmly believe, in order for a friendship to be firm, all must be eager to work for it. Friendship is not filled with happy moments only— it is a roller coaster ride where you will experience ups and downs.

Loud and proud, I present these wonderful ladies who never fail to make me feel valued and loved. Despite of our differences and misunderstandings, the warmth they bring in my life is priceless. Indeed, our paths are destined to cross— to prove that souls will find family in spite the absence of blood connections. Perhaps, the saying 'tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are' is not just a commemorative sentence on choosing our companion. It tries to impose a vital reminder for us to remember— the way you pick friends, somehow, reflects your wholeness.

Others might say that we have the control on ourselves. Yes, nothing wrong with that belief. But the reality, behavior is adoptive. As time passes by, we tend to take up what is being shown to us. For instance, your friends are alcoholic— there is a huge chance that you will be an alcoholic too. No matter how firm you try to avoid not practicing their habit, eventually, you will be carried away. There are two sides of the coin— first, you will influence them. Second one, they will influence you. The main factor here is peer pressure. People around you might dominate over you. It might sound too judgemental, but it is a must specially to the youth to absorb this kind of lesson.

We all have battles inside us, and we have to be wise in choosing who we want to fight those battles with. Not to depend on them, but to be reminded that we are not alone and there are people who hopes for your betterment. Undeniably, trust is something you cannot find anywhere, it is a treasured thing that you can give and you can reciprocate as well. Hence, never waste the trust that your friends give you, as it will never be renewed once broken. It is important to have people by your side who have dreams for themselves and for you also. Those who aim to reach the brightest stars— believing in their capacity along with yours.