Amaar Zarrieff 
The transition from high school to college can be very bittersweet. On one hand, you’re thrilled to be starting a new chapter of your life, meeting new people, and gaining a lot more independence. On the other hand, you’re probably going to miss your old friends constantly. Once graduating high school and going away to college, you most likely won’t be able to speak to your hometown friends every day. Slowly but surely, your and your friends’ everyday text messages will turn into monthly life updates. But don’t fret! Keeping in contact with childhood/high school friends can be very easy. With a little effort, you can keep in touch with your high school besties and maintain those valuable connections for years to come.
Social Media
Yes, it can be time-consuming and a source of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), but it’s also one of the best ways to stay in touch with friends/acquaintances. Make sure you’re following your friends on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or whatever platforms you use to keep up with their latest life updates. Here you will find out about new dating statuses, job offers, unexpected pregnancies, and much more from old high school friends. Social media also allows you to leave comments, send direct messages, and share memes that remind you of them. In a few decades, we’ll be just like our parents – gossiping about the poor life decisions that our former classmates posted about on Facebook.
Major Life Events
Speaking of what your friends are up to, make sure you’re keeping track of their major life events. Did someone just have a birthday? Send them a card or a thoughtful text message. Did someone get their dream job? Don’t be afraid to congratulate them. Did someone experience hardship or death in their family? Offer your support and let them know you’re there for them. It is the little gestures of kindness that count when it comes to maintaining childhood friendships. Don’t let weeks or months go by without checking in on your friends. It’s easy to let time slip away when you’re busy with classes and extracurriculars, but remember that friendships require effort. At the same time, do not feel bad about not contacting with your friends as often as before. If you have good friends, they will understand that you are busy and do not have the time to socialize.
Life in College
Don’t be afraid to make new friends in college! Yes, your high school friends are irreplaceable, but it’s also healthy and exciting to expand your social circle. Your college friends may have different interests and perspectives, but they can also improve your life in college in very unexpected ways. Make sure you’re balancing your time and priorities so that you’re not neglecting your high school friends in the process.
Keeping in touch with friends after high school can be challenging, but it’s also worth the trouble. Use social media, phone calls/facetime, and group chats to stay connected, be mindful of each other’s major life events, and don’t be afraid to make new friends in college. Who knows? Your high school friends could end up being your lifelong besties, future business associates, your best men at your wedding, or not your friends at all.
By Amaar Zarrieff, Freshman, Howard University
Instagram: amaar.fz / Twitter: @Amaar_FZ
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