Everything takes time.

We were told that when we made those first tentative attempts to ride a bike with only two wheels. We assured our parents of it when they wanted to see higher numbers on the report card.

And we understood it once we started making those first friends, the ones who, in preschool, we wanted to play with as soon as they arrived. They made our hearts leap with joy at the sight of their vehicle pulling in the parking lot, and they disappointed us when they didn’t show up somewhere we expected them. As we spent time with them, we realized everything was more fun when they were there to share it with us. Perhaps you thought that person was your “forever friend.”

For many of us, that first best friend came when we were very little. Trusting, fun loving, loyal -- you enjoyed being with them regardless of whether you were doing chores for your parents or playing in the mud outside.

Somewhere along the way, friendships get a little more complicated. Any middle-schooler will tell you they are not as sure of the loyalty of some of their friends as they used to be. They aren’t sure who talks about them when they are not around. Over the years, conversations become more guarded, and we become less sure of ourselves, though we try to make it appear as though we are supremely confident.

All of a sudden, we were competing against each other -- in sports, in academics and in our social lives. Although fun times can still be had with your friends, they are fewer and not as carefree. Life becomes a little more serious because it seems more is at stake.

Our parents tell us some of our high school and college friends will be life-long friends and to choose them wisely. Our group of friends may change somewhat as our sports or other activities change. The block system gives you just enough time to get to know that person sitting next to you in class and not quite enough time to become friends. My close-knit group of buddies from my elementary and middle school years was scattered when we came to Wando. While those friendships stayed for a while, with most of us, time has taken its unfortunate toll. Friendships take time to cultivate and take work to maintain, as all relationships do. Some people are great at opening up and finding friends quickly. Others show themselves at a slower pace, letting the roots go down gradually but eventually quite firmly.

As George Eliot put it, “[Friendship is] the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”

I have made some great friendships at Wando and learned a lot about myself and people in the process. I would encourage those of you who are not seniors and even those who are to get involved in the many activities made available at our school. Whatever your interests, whatever your personality, there are people here you can be comfortable with and grow with in the game of life.

Seek out those places in the community, church or synagogue where you can put down roots and help others. People need others, and the best way to learn about you is by spending time with and helping other people.

To those I am lucky enough to have formed friendships with during my school years, I say “thank you” — for your true friendships. For the rest of you...well, you’ve got three more months.