From us to you - September 10, 2006

It's the beginning of new era

When Monica Geller in the famous television series Friends went out of her way to explain to Rachel Green how moving out of the apartment they had shared for six years was the "end of an era", Rachel simply asked whether six years could be considered an era!

Of course that's when Monica jumped in: "An era is defined as a significant period of time. Now, it was significant to me, maybe it wasn't significant to you!"

As funny as that scene was and touching at the same time - especially when Rachel realised that it was the end of an era - it is hard not to admire the friendship that brought these two characters together ... a friendship that blossomed at school.

It is in high school that we make friendships that we believe will last forever. After all, didn't we share innocent fun that got us into trouble at times with the school administration; and suffer collectively during those dark days when the physics teacher insisted on giving us an exam the same day as of a mathematics and biology test? I bet many of you have made "unbreakable vows" to your friends to remain in touch before you went off to college.

It's been two weeks since college started, maybe three. Returning students have already reconnected with their old friends and have moved on. Still, it is the new students who might be finding it a bit difficult, especially when everyone seems to know everybody else!

When I first joined college, I knew only my roommate as we both came from the faraway land of Ras Al Khaimah. In less than a week, I found myself part of a group of 10 people.

Of course, at that point you think: "Wow! I have so many friends and I don't have to sit alone in the cafeteria!" Yet, in a year's time these friendships were tested and I came out with only three friends for life.

During your college years you will meet so many people. Some you'll befriend, some you'll like, dislike and even hate. Some will become your "test buddies" and remember you the night before a midterm. Others will stand by you during a family crisis or heartbreak and celebrate with you on happy occasions.

Making friends will take time. With some people you'll simply click; with others it will take you time to get used to them, especially if they have weird habits like checking the pots and pans in your kitchen when they visit your house for the first time!

However, it is important that you stay open to new cultures, beliefs and ideas. Also, give people a second chance if they make a bad first impression. You never know, that person might become your best friend in years to come and might end up driving you to work every day after graduation! So stay optimistic and enjoy college life. Leaving behind the life, friends and home you are used to is the end of an era, but it is also the beginning of a new one. So enjoy!