The Power of Friendship

written December 30, 2010

"My message today is this: Cultivate your friends and ponder what it means for you to be an authentic friend to others."

Those are the words shared with us by the president of my alma mater. Friendship has been on my mind for more than 2 weeks now. I think it's partly because I've had my head submerged in fictional literature and tv. But the other part is that fiction can only tug on emotions that already exist. I've been thinking a lot about who I want my friends to be to me but the more I think about Dr. Hatch's speech the more I have to think about what kind of friend I am being. You get what you give and I'm led to believe that if I'm unsatisfied it's either because I haven't given enough or I've been giving in the wrong places. This is a really big deal for me because my friends have always played a big role in my life. Their influence can be seen in every area of my life.

"As you leave Wake Forest, please take note of what a treasure friends can be. Friends are wonderful -but they do complicate life. They take emotional commitment, patience, and the kind of time that young professionals so often lack. Powerful friendships do not just happen; they require sustained investment.

Take this opportunity to celebrate your friends. Their steadfastness will make you a better person. The passions you share with them can accomplish great things. And their presence in your life will be a wellspring of deep joy and satisfaction." --Dr. Nathan Hatch


The best is yet to come,
~Adwoa