First person singular
Long distance friendships worth the effort

By Katlin Stinespring
Hurricane High School

This fall, I experienced for the first time what it was like to have a friend graduate and move on to college. Debra was a junior when she befriended me as a freshman during rookie week at band camp. This fall, she moved to Columbus to study pre-med at Ohio State University.

It was very emotional for both of us because we had become like sisters over the past two years, sharing everything from tears and secrets to honey nut-flavored Chex Mix and Chuck Taylors.

Debra had been a role model for me, and it was a new experience having a best friend who was older than me (especially by two years). My typical role is the mature and practical person in my group of friends, so it was nice having someone to look up to and ask for advice.

Our friendship has changed during the past six months. We’ve moved on to different phases of life, but we still catch each other up on what’s going on in our busy lives. I’m still living the life of a high school student, and she’s having new experiences in an unfamiliar city and environment.

We’ve only had the chance to talk in person three times since she moved. However, we still communicate a few times a week through instant messenger, and we’re always a phone call away when one of us needs a friend by her side.

We’ve called in the excitement of results from a band competition or Ohio State’s opening touchdown against Michigan. Sometimes, we call just to make sure the other is doing well.

Debra and I may not have the opportunity to spend time together in person anymore, but we share a bond that remains strong despite being tested by rough patches this year. We have many wonderful memories to cherish and an “almost sister” who will always be by our side.

When friends move away, it is important to still communicate on a regular basis to preserve the relationship. Technology has made this easy, offering an array of methods for keeping in touch. Something as simple as snail mailing a birthday card, e-mailing photos or sending a quick text message could mean the world to friends that live hours away from each other.

Friendships can last a lifetime even over a long distance. They’re worth the effort to keep them going.