As the end of the year is swiftly approaching, seniors leaving home to pursue their passion is inching closer. Being in the midst of summer vacation is a joy for most; however, many seniors feel melancholic as the school year comes to a sudden halt.

An important aspect of high school is making lifelong friendships.

“I feel like high school is where I made those connections and those great, solid friend groups that I have: friends that will support me through anything,” senior Adrita Bhattacharya said.

“In high school, you have created really tight bonds, and these bonds can go through a lot of tests. But, these tests will prove just how much the friendship is to you and to the other person,” senior and captain of the swim team Ady Mitchell said.

It may be especially hard to let go of friendships dating back to early childhood days and finding ways to carry on with these friends, but these friendships still hold value.

“I feel like the bonds that I have from elementary school are so strong because I’ve known those people for so long. I did create other good friendships in high school, but nothing can really compete with the people that you grew up with,” senior McKenna Kisala said.

Some may find it easier to adjust and stay friends after high school than others.

“I am rooming with one of my best friends, Aryan Patel,” senior Xavier Rodriguez said. “So, hopefully we can keep those experiences together. A whole bunch of our friends are also rooming with friends. So it’s kind of like a web.”

Some graduates may have trouble staying close due to physical distance or going on separate paths; using alternative methods such as the internet, calling or social media can help to keep people in touch.

“I plan on bringing my PC with my Discord and all that. So, even if we’re far away, we can still play video games or whatever: just talk about the game and just chill back and share our experiences” Rodriguez said.

Many seniors may find it troubling leaving underclassmen friends behind. “After I graduate, I’m open to whoever wants to reach out to me,” Mitchell said. “If people want to put in the effort and want to have a relationship with me, I will reciprocate that.”

Staying in touch can be difficult for many, but as long as there is communication on both ends, lifelong friendships can be maintained.

“I highly believe in reciprocating feelings. Like, if they don’t want to talk to me after [high school], then that’s okay,” Mitchell said.

Looking back on her many friendships with underclassmen, Mitchell hopes they stay in touch so she can see their personal and athletic growth.

“I want to see how they’ve grown both in their swimming abilities and as a person,” Mitchell said.

Many people feel like their friendships in high school will last.

“I feel like middle school was definitely an awkward period for me…but in high school, I think I gained so many connections and they’ve actually lasted…you actually gain friendships for life,” Bhattacharya said.