They say true friendships last a lifetime, but is this really the case for high school? Before you answer, consider what a true friend is to you.

According to the Urban Dictionary www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=true+friend, “A true friend is someone who has touched your heart and will stay there. Someone you care for, who cares for you. Someone you can always do the stupidest things around and always be forgiven. Someone you’ll instantly remember in ten years because they are in your heart and not just your mind. They have the ability to change you, even if they don’t. They will be etched in your memories forever.”

For senior Genesis Sotomayor, “A true friend is someone who’s always honest, someone who always has your back, and someone who cares about your future.” Senior Jose Rodriguez said that a true friend is someone who is willing to stick around no matter what, and is there when you need them.

A lot of Miami High students met their true friends in school. Junior Alejandro Gonzalez made some of his best friends in the same fourth grade class. Freshman Sebastian Lopez said, “In elementary, I was sitting next to them and just started talking to them.”

Junior Karla Herrera met her really close friend Nicole in an unusual way in fourth grade. She said, “I laughed at her when she tripped, and then I helped her.”

Other Miami High students met their truest friends outside of school. Freshman Brandon Lopez met his in his neighborhood. Sophomore Derek Burgos met some of his close friends playing sports/games. Junior Nataly Lindo met hers at church.

Having friends can bring advantages to one’s life. Junior Laura Aleu said, “You can talk to them about everything and they won’t judge you like your parents.”

Sophomore Carlos Valenzuela said that when you’re feeling down, your real friends will always be there to pick you up.

“They give you advice, and you feel that someone’s there for you,” said junior Milagros Diaz.

Friends, however, can also bring you down. Junior Luis Martin said that his friends sometimes distract him in class.

Senior Jose Rodriguez said, “When your friends have a problem, it hurts and affects you too.”

Junior Alejandro Gonzalez said that you have to listen to their opinions and that they peer pressure you.

Friendships do fall apart. Junior Karol Orellana said that some friendships end when people don’t know how to talk about their problems.

For sophomore Maria Chavez, friendships end when there’s no trust and when you lose confidence in someone.

Junior Karla Herrera said that you lose friends when they move away and do not keep in touch.

Sadly, when you come to high school, some friendships are bound to end.  Genesis Sotomayor said, “You start hanging out with different people, your interests change, and you’re not the same person you were when you met.”

In Miami High there are many ways to make friends. Sophomore Carlos Valenzuela made his friends in marching band.

Junior Juan Alvarado said he made a lot of friends when he joined Interact, a service club in Miami High. “The meetings are fun. Interact members are very friendly and interactive people, and the club feels like a family,” he said.

You don’t need to be in an extracurricular activity, however, to start making friends.  Junior Pedro Perez recommends talking about school work or talking to people about similar problems that you have gone through in order to make new friends