My senior year at Frank Sinatra high school of the arts was marked by blends of anticipation, nostalgia, and transformation. It was a time of farewells and new beginnings as we bid adieu to the familiar and stepped into the threshold of the unknown. To me – it was a pivotal year in my life; as it was not only an accumulation of academics, but the prelude to the next phase in my life. As I journeyed through senior year, it brought a mix of joy, bittersweet, and self discovery moments. At the center of it all were my friends.
Within the sea of faces at high school, there’s always that one person who becomes more than just a friend; they become a confidant, a partner in adventures, and, in my case, my best friend. To tell you the truth, we were bestfriends from the beginning. Of course, we did not realize it, but as you mature you notice things more. I would even go as far to say he’s my brother – “a brother from another mother.” He wasn’t my only friend, but he was the best one.
My close group of friends consisted of 4 guys; Jasper, Enzo, Ghair, and Ouma. They would kill me if they found out I was writing about them, but luckily for me, they will never know. To be completely honest, they all taught me valuable lessons that I’ve taken with me to the next stages of my life. With that note, let’s begin with Jasper!
Jasper is your typical high school white boy. He is tall and lanky with skin as “white as snow.” He has green eyes that could have you mesmerized for hours. For a while, I didn’t really like Jasper. I found him to be extremely obnoxious and weird, but like all good things, you must give it time so it can grow on you. Over time, as I got to know Jasper better, I began to realize that what I initially perceived as obnoxiousness and weirdness were actually some of his most endearing qualities. Jasper’s quirks and unique sense of humor made him stand out in a crowd. In a sense, we were opposites of each other. People describe me as a somewhat shy person. In high school, I did not like raising my hand in fear that I would embarrass myself. I wasn’t sure who I was as a person, so for most of my senior year I was lost. I did not like to stand out, but rather fit in. Being around my friend changed my perspective of things. It wasn’t long before I understood that it was okay to be weird or different, and in fact, it was often those very differences that made someone special. His penchant for asking thought-provoking questions and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations challenged my perspective. He encouraged me to question the status quo and think outside the box. My mind loves to gravitate towards many weird things that make me question life – but I am glad it does because life would be so boring if we didn’t. So, I thank Jasper for bringing out the weirdness in me. Reflecting on the impact Jasper had on my life, it’s important to note that he wasn’t the only friend who left a lasting mark. My next friend was named Enzo.
At the begining, Enzo was such a quiet person. He would barely talk, but yet, his style spoke louder than words. I remember people calling him weird for wearing baggy clothing and mocking his style, but he did not care what they said – he was brave. Along with bravery, he was also always trying new things and by the time we reached the end of senior year, my group fell to the tempatation of cannabis. It all started with the curious and brave man Enzo. I was very hesistant at first, because, growing up I was taught to never do things like weed or fall with the “wrong crowd.” I’m not saying he was the “bad people” my grandparents warned me about because there are far worse people. Enzo is a very good person and a far better writer than I ever will be.
When I first took a hit of the pre rolled marijuana joint, I felt the disappointment my grandparents would be feeling if they found out; yet I continued to do it. The only thing that was going through my mind was that you only live once. Even though he taught me to smoke, smoking is not the point of this paragraph. He helped me realize that life is too short to be worried about others and that life is too short to not try anything. I broke out of my shell coming into college. I wear baggy clothes without caring what people think about me. I cut my hair without fearing people will judge me. I like being adventurous and trying new things. Having Enzo in my life was a blessing in disguise but not everything was positive. With my next friend, there was a lot of negativity.
I admit that there was a time when I found myself struggling with jealousy towards one of my friends – Ghair. There was a lot of negativity towards him. At one point I even questioned if he was someone I even wanted to stay friends with. You see, me and Ghair were both saxophonists, but he was undeniably the superior saxophone player, always taking the spotlight while I stood in his shadow as number two. I couldn’t help but envy his remarkable musical talent and the recognition he received for it. It made me furious and irritated every time he was able to play a Charlie Parker lick better than I was. Ghair never let my jealousy affect our friendship; instead, he used his position to inspire and mentor me, helping me grow as a musician. His humility and encouragement made me realize that jealousy not only corrodes one’s own spirit but can also poison relationships. I learned that celebrating each other’s successes and supporting one another is far more rewarding than harboring envy. While Ghair taught me essential lessons about overcoming jealousy and nurturing genuine camaraderie, my connection with Ouma goes even further.
My connection with Ouma runs far beyond the aspects of a regular friendship. We share everything with each other, even the smallest things. Our adventures together, from late-night phone calls, have formed the foundation of some of our best memories. We’ve been through ups and downs, supporting each other in times of need and celebrating one another’s successes.
What makes our friendship better is that it is based on mutual respect, trust, and a genuine understanding of each other. We know each other’s fears, traits, and inside jokes like the back of our hands. It’s the kind of friendship that defies time and distance, one where we can pick up right where we left off, even if we haven’t seen each other in months. He is not just my best friend; he’s my partner in crime, my confidant in moments of vulnerability, and the one who truly knows the essence of who I am. Our connection has become an integral part of my life, enriching it in ways I couldn’t have imagined when we first met. I’m grateful for this brotherly bond, for the countless adventures and laughter we’ve shared, and for the unwavering support he offers. In a sea of faces, he’s the one who stands out as my truest and dearest friend, my brother from another mother. Ouma taught me what it was like to have a brother. Someone you can lean on to for the rest of your life.
In conclusion, the chapters of my high school journey were marked by experiences, each narrated by the friendships that colored my life. From the pivotal moments shared with my friend Jasper, who ignited the flames of curiosity and self-acceptance, to the courageous and adventurous spirit of Enzo, who taught me that life is too short to be restrained by fear, and to the vital lessons of camaraderie and personal growth offered by Ghair. In Ouma, I discovered a brother, an unwavering confidant, and a partner in crime. These friendships have sculpted the person I am today, encouraging me to embrace myself, question life, and cherish the beauty of being different. As I venture foward into the uncharted territory of my future, I carry with me the valuable lessons learned through these remarkable connections, forever grateful for the roles they played in shaping my life. My high school chapter may have come to a close, but the lessons by these friendships are ones that will forever resonate in the grand tale of my life.