More Than Just Classmates: The Power of Friendship at Ferguson

Friends are a treasure that every person needs. They can help you grow and feel accepted. Being part of a friend group and trying to find your people is a natural part of being a teenager. The students in Ferguson know how much connections matter, and every student has sought to find their own friendships. It might be surprising to see the quiet kid of your class at lunch with their friends, where they are suddenly talkative, but that is how friends shape you. They push you to be the best version of yourself, and Ferguson students understand that. They are grateful for their friends, who they acknowledge have changed their lives, whether in big or small ways. 

When speaking about her friend, Ashley, she says, “I was already friends with her in middle school, but now have AP Psychology with her. She’s reminded me to study and stay on top of my work. She’s a great friend and makes the class enjoyable.” (Camila Elicheix, 10th Grade) 

Ashley shares similar feelings about their friendship. She says, “I met her in middle school, but we really became friends in our 8th-period Psychology class. She’s impacted me ever since I befriended her because she’s a really good friend I can count on for help, and she’s been a really fun person to be around. I’m grateful for her because she’s helped me with work for psychology, and I’m really glad to have fun while doing work at the same time in that class, thanks to her.” (Ashley Hernandez, 10th Grade)

This pair isn’t the only students in Ferg who treasure their friends. Jason also shares about his friend whom he met in World History class. He says they had helped him through hard times when he needed it most. He’s grateful for them because “they’re awesome.” (Jason Roman, 10th Grade)

Annette met her friend in English class. She said, “They have been a good person to talk to and have given me good advice.” When asked why she’s grateful for this friend, she explained that it’s because of how amazing and nice they are.” (Annette Ortiz, 10th Grade)

Mariana shares her friendship with the students she met in her Finance class. She says, “They have become one of my closest friends and form good company. They became people I could trust easily and always count on.” (Mariana Herrera, 9th Grade)

Nicole also met her friends in English class. She states that, “They have shown me to be myself and to respect myself. They help me see the good and bad in people. They showed me not to judge people because we are all different. They inspired me to be positive even when things aren’t going great. I’m grateful for the way they are, the time they have been with me, how they have supported me no matter what, and how they have helped me see other perspectives instead of just my own.” (Nicole Turino, 10th Grade)

Friendships aren’t all alike. They change from person to person. Some bonds are deeper than others. This is the same for all the students at Ferguson. Friends can guide you through dark times, help you change for the better, but also be as small as making you laugh through a boring class. Friends should be cherished, and new friendships of our own should provoke us to introduce ourselves and make friends with those we don’t know, too.