HAVING A BEST FRIEND.

There’s something magical about having a best friend. It’s not just about the laughs shared, the secrets whispered, or the countless memories made. It's about having someone who understands you in ways no one else does. My story of having a best friend, who I'll call Alex, is one that has shaped much of who I am today.

Alex and I met in the most unlikely of places: the school library. It was the beginning of seventh grade, and I was the new kid, nervously navigating the unfamiliar hallways of Jefferson Middle School. I found solace in the library, a quiet place where I could escape the chaos of lunchtime. On my second visit, I noticed a boy my age engrossed in a book about dinosaurs. Being a bit of a dinosaur enthusiast myself, I couldn’t help but comment on the book he was reading.

"That’s a great book," I said, pointing to the cover. "The section on the T-Rex is my favorite."

Alex looked up, surprised but pleased. "Yeah, it's awesome. You like dinosaurs too?"

From that moment on, we were inseparable. Our shared interests in dinosaurs, space, and later, video games, cemented our bond. We spent hours discussing the latest game releases, strategizing our next moves, and even creating our own fictional worlds. But our friendship wasn’t just built on common interests; it was built on a deep understanding and acceptance of each other.

Middle school can be a challenging time, filled with awkward social dynamics and the pressure to fit in. But with Alex by my side, I always felt like I had an ally. When I struggled with math, Alex, who was a whiz at it, patiently tutored me after school. When Alex had trouble with English, I helped him with his essays and reading assignments. We complemented each other perfectly, each of us strong where the other was weak.

As we moved into high school, our friendship only grew stronger. We navigated the complex world of teenage relationships together, offering each other advice and support. When Alex had his first heartbreak, I was there with ice cream and a shoulder to cry on. When I faced rejection from the school play, Alex encouraged me to keep trying and not give up on my passion for acting.

One of the most defining moments of our friendship came during our junior year. Alex’s family was going through a tough time financially, and it was taking a toll on him. He confided in me one evening, the weight of the world evident in his eyes. "I don’t know how much longer we can stay in our house," he said quietly. "My parents are really struggling."

I felt a surge of helplessness but also determination. "We’ll figure it out," I said. "You’re not alone in this."

We brainstormed ways to help. I suggested we start a tutoring business, leveraging our strengths in different subjects to help other students. Alex was hesitant at first, but he eventually agreed. We printed flyers and posted them around school, and before long, we had a small but steady stream of clients. The extra money didn’t solve all of Alex’s family’s problems, but it provided some relief and, more importantly, showed Alex that he didn’t have to face his challenges alone.

Senior year brought new challenges and opportunities. We both applied to colleges, anxiously awaiting acceptance letters. Alex got into his dream school, a prestigious university known for its science program. I was thrilled for him but also terrified at the prospect of us going our separate ways. When I got into a good school on the other side of the country, the reality hit me even harder.

"How are we going to do this?" I asked Alex one night, the weight of our impending separation looming over us.

Alex, always the optimist, smiled. "We’ll make it work. It’s not the end of our friendship; it’s just a new chapter."

He was right. We kept in touch through video calls, texts, and visits during holidays and breaks. College was a time of growth and discovery for both of us, and having Alex to share that journey with, even from a distance, was a source of comfort and joy. We supported each other through the highs and lows, from acing exams to dealing with homesickness.

After graduation, life took us in different directions. Alex pursued a career in scientific research, while I followed my passion for acting. Despite the physical distance, our bond remained strong. We made it a point to meet up whenever we could, and our conversations always picked up right where we left off.

One of the most significant moments in our adult lives came when Alex got married. I was honored to be his best man, standing by his side as he embarked on this new journey. In my speech, I recounted our years of friendship, the adventures we had shared, and the unwavering support we had given each other. "To me," I said, "a best friend is someone who stands by you through thick and thin, someone who knows your strengths and weaknesses and loves you all the same. Alex has been that person for me, and I know he’ll be that person for his wife."

Our friendship has taught me so much about loyalty, empathy, and the importance of being there for the people you care about. It’s shown me that true friendship isn’t about being inseparable but about being separated and nothing changes. Even though we’re now both busy with our own lives and careers, we make time for each other, understanding that our friendship is worth the effort.

Having a best friend like Alex has enriched my life in countless ways. It’s given me someone to laugh with, to lean on, and to grow with. It’s a reminder that, no matter what challenges life throws our way, we don’t have to face them alone. And for that, I am eternally grateful.