Friends are part of our lives. They stand by us when we feel low and rejoice with us when  we feel high. 

Why are they so important to us? Why are  their ideas and views so valuable?    They are after all people like us. Insecure, self-conscious, illogical sometimes.   Besides,  they are  often irrational, easily irritated and lazy. And  despite all of that, we seek their advice and  approval. 

Do you know why? Because they understand us. We are  basically in the same boat. Our lives are centered around similar things.We meet similar chalenges and we want to know if we are ok, if we don''t lag behind.     

 We  need friends, we need their acceptance. They don’t preach on us. They don’t patronize us. They are not disgusted with our behavior even if we do something stupid. There is one condition however. We should be loyal and trustworthy. And we should always keep their side.

We thrive when we are surrounded by people who care about us. Good friends bring out the best in us, inspire us to reach beyond our self-made limitations. Support us, listen to us, and are not harsh on us. They don’t judge our actions  because   they need our support too. They don't want to be patronized, criticized, told off.   They know we are imperfect like themselves and love us  anyway. 

 How do you feel about your friends? Do they accept you the way you are? If you are low do they try to support you by offering you their time? 

Now you know more or  less what it means to be a good friend. So ....  

 Are you a good friend? 

Can your friends rely on you and trust you? 

  Our classmates form our classroom environment. We spend together around 40 hours a week. We learn and work together, cooperate and  get involved in creative activities. They help us rocognise  our strengths and weaknesses. We seek our identity  through our peers  and their approval.   Our school grades,  interests, abilities,  and sport achievements often determined our  worth. .  

  Many adults are sentimental about school years. They recall first infatuations and fascinations. They  recollect  good moments and failures, disappointments and achievements. No matter how strong  these memories are, they are a vital part of human life. All expereinces count. They form our personality.

 Since it is such a significant time in our lives, why not use it consciously to our advantage? 

International projects give us such an  opportunity.  Meeting  people from different cultural backgrounds, staying with their families, being part of their daily lives   is a wonderful way to broaden the mind. . It is part of firsthand  education, the most precious one.