Never underestimate the value of college friendships
By Samuel Rose
Skiff Staff

I was recently asked, what’s the point of maintaining friendships with people that you probably will never see again once you leave TCU and return to your home country?

Indeed this is a valuable question, for maintaining a relationship can be such a taxing and seemingly pointless exercise, especially when one lives across the ocean.

Well, let me give you one reason for at least trying to maintain a friendship.

It is not that hard and its benefits outnumber its drawbacks. How much is a card or a newsletter once a year? Enough to put a mind that is concerned about you to rest. Why should people be concerned about your life? Well that’s not for you to decide.

You see, we often view ourselves as individuals literally living on an isolated island not affecting (for better or for worse) the lives of those around us. We often underestimate how much the acts of kindness and the little things that we do mean to those who are on the receiving end.

The truth of the matter is life is very short. You never know where you are going to end up. A friendship or connection started during college may be a vital source of comfort or help later on in life. Or you never know, you may end up being that source for someone else.

It is unfortunate that too many people take the word friendship so lightly. That often includes me. Busy schedules, other priorities and sometimes plain old lack of interest often hinder us from reaching out to others.

Unfortunately, the fear of losing out prevents many from enjoying the rewards of this most noble pursuit. Ironically, those most fearful of the friendship investment are those most likely to place their hard earned savings (and trust) into the “security, loyalty and warmth” of the stock market.

Yes, money is important, as is career and personal achievement. However, the last time I checked, money doesn’t say too much if you ask it for advice. Your career won’t come to visit you if you are sick in the hospital. In fact, it might be the very first thing to walk out through the door.

Also, personal achievement may not be as significant and meaningful if you are the only one to congratulate yourself and celebrate its attainment.

Consider friendship a friend and embrace all the meaning it can bring to your life. It might be the greatest investment you ever make.

Oh yeah, and it’s pretty handy for getting you a job when you leave college too.

Samuel Rose is a senior social work major from the Cayman Islands, British West Indies. He can be contacted at (s.j.rose@student.tcu.edu).

credits

TCU Daily Skiff © 2002