Best Friends | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

My Best Friend's From A Different Continent

Despite this, we're more alike than anyone else I know.

64
My Best Friend's From A Different Continent
Photo taken by Isabella Sena-Cash and Jessie Ni.

The Great Divide

Throughout history, we've fought to support people of our cultures, to stick together and find strength in numbers. However, what happens when we take this too far? When we look out for our own, and only our own?

Simple: we become divided as a people. We cave in, sticking only with those who are similar to us. We tell ourselves that it's simply easier this way, although we have no prejudices against other cultures or sorts of people. Still, today, as much as it pains us to admit it, we often separate ourselves like this. I was able to see this happen right in front of me when I switched schools at the start of high school, moving to a private school that had a partnership with a school in China. They continuously worked to send students from the Chinese school to our New Jersey based one, and occasionally sent some of our students there for visits.


Seeing it In Action

I'd always loved the Chinese culture, for its traditions, food, attire, history, you name it. Upon meeting many of the students that had come from a few different parts of China including Shanghai, I was immediately intrigued. I wanted to be close friends with them, and form bonds like those I had with my other friends. However, this proved to be a bit more difficult.

Understandably so, the students from China preferred to speak Chinese among themselves rather than English with us, as it was simply easier. Thus, they preferred to stick together, because as I said previously, it simply was easier. Understanding our nuances, behaviors and such simply wasn't easy- but nothing worth doing ever is.

Making Change

See, we make these separations without even intending to do so. The students I previously referred to stuck together only because they had a common language and culture that made it more convenient and easy to understand one another. In our vastly multicultural world, however, there always has to be one person to step forth and break down the walls that divide our cultures. Last year, I chose to be that person.

I continued to talk with a few particular international students, sat with them at lunch, and even enrolled in Chinese classes to try and understand them better, or at least show them that I am making a conscious effort to do so. She reciprocated as one should try to, inviting me out or perhaps sending me the occasional photo. With time, the cultural gaps that divided us closed, leaving only the humans that we were behind all of it for us to see, and leaving me and one girl in particular inseparable. Today, I do not call her my friend. I call her my family.

Branching out in such a way is certainly a lot of give and take, I will admit. However, there can be no taking if no one ever takes the chance to give a little. With that, I must thank my best friend, Jessie, for taking when I took the chance to give, and taking the chance to give it right back to me. I'm truly blessed to have met you, and whether we're a few miles away or an entire world apart, our hearts shall always remain together.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16647
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7139
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5257
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4602
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments