Anonymous

Photography by Jackson Covert

If you are reading this, know that you are more than your network.

Ever since coming to SMU, the rudimentary lesson I have learned is that making friends in college is hard. Especially a college full of people with money and status, I am constantly presented with the question of who is being sincere and who is acting. Evidently, I am not good at telling who is acting. In the past 3 months, I have been blown off, kicked to the curb, and left out more times than not. I learned that people hide their intentions for one reason or another.

We all wear a mask for some reason - whether it be to hide insecurities, previous scars, or to protect yourself. But this mask impairs people's ability to judge a person for who they genuinely are. I can’t look at someone and understand if they want to be my friend because of who I am or my network. I understand we are all trying to succeed in life, but befriending someone for who they know, who they have on speed dial, is hardly a way to live. We are not our networks. 

I recognize the world is not a utopian candy store. However, our lives should not be limited to the 2000 steps we take to get through our school days and back to our cars.

I have recently learned that there was someone wanting to be my friend who just sat a few seats away from me. I can’t say I will never experience being left out again, but I am choosing to be an optimist. Now, I have someone. It’s a step up from where I was.

If you’re reading this, know that there are people out there who truly want to be your friend. There are other people who have struggled with friendships and finding their people. I know it's cliche, but you are not alone. There is someone looking for a friendship with someone like you - there is someone looking for a friendship with YOU. If you feel like there isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel, light it yourself. Next time you are in class, smile at the person sitting across from you. Casually talk to them - build up that friendship. I believe in you.

If you are reading this, know that you are not alone. There is always a friend nearby.

Anonymous, Southern Methodist University

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