School friends always have a special place in our life. We may meet them after years, and yet we pick up from where we had left off as if there was never a gap in time. Memories of teachers, jokes, incidents in school, and reliving our success and failures come back effortlessly. Even though we have built several strong relationships after school, yet school friends always remain a special part of us, a group with whom we can be ourselves and let our guard down.

So what is it about these friendships that make them special? If we reflect on it, these friendships have a teaching for us in life.

We grew up with these friends from an age when the only consideration was friendship and affection. We never classified each other by our status, family background, or religion. There were no pretenses and we let ourselves be as we truly were. Today when we struggle with managing people, it will serve us well to remember that when we allow ourselves to be who we truly are, we can build strong enduring relationships.

We shared almost everything; our lunch, comics and books, games, and even the fancy new things we may have had. It will serve us well to remind ourselves that even though we may be in positions of power and influence, when we share openly and generously, we foster strong relationships.

We were always there for each other, whether it be helping someone with their studies, in sports, or helping them in their home if they needed us. We never hesitated in giving fully of ourselves. If we now find ourselves holding back from giving of ourselves, we need to remember the power of being there for someone.

We had innocence and purity. Being world-wise does not mean we lose our purity of goodness which has sustained relationships over decades.

We played together, competed at one level, and yet applauded each other for winning. We even helped each other better our game. The attitude of giving our best and winning, without pulling others down will help us create an eco-system of lasting relationships.

We had our petty fights, had our groups, and our share of misunderstandings. And yet we let go fast enough and moved on, not allowing them to scar us for life. If we learned this fundamental principle in school, why do we sometimes struggle today when we are older and wiser?

School gave us much, our teachers, knowledge, and experiences. Much of what we are today was shaped at home and in school. We may no longer be in class together, but when we reflect on what makes our school friendships special, living those values can make us best in class in anything we do.

(Picture – A classroom in my alma mater, Campion School)