by Michaela Goebel

Created on: September 15, 2008

In my early school life, I was the girl who had no friends. Every school has at least one such student, usually more, and it was my great misfortune to be in this category. It was not that people did not like me, but rather, the truth was that nobody knew me because I was so painfully shy that I kept my head down, eyes averted, and found it impossible to say more than one or two words to anyone at a time. This of course led to teasing, and jokes at my expense by the "popular" kids, which led to my further withdrawal behind my protective outer shell of indifference. This cycle continued, perpetually worse with each school term until one day at the beginning of the eighth grade, something happened during homeroom class that I will never forget. I was sitting there in my assigned seat when out of nowhere; the girl sitting in front of me turned around in her seat and just started talking to me. I was shocked to say the least, for nobody ever just started talking to me, and I must admit, more than a little terrified because I had no idea how to be social at this point in my life.

Her name was Shannon, and she was new to the school. You see, the school board had redrawn some lines on the county map over the previous summer and many students found themselves in the position of changing schools this particular year. As homeroom progressed, she asked me a few questions about the school in general, where she would find certain classes on her schedule, other students and clicks, and this or that. I was hesitant with my answers in the beginning, half expecting some new cruel joke to come, but she was such a person that I could not help but to relax as I answered her questions. Eventually, I began to ask questions of my own, about her old school, how she felt about switching schools, and as the conversation progressed, a tender sprig of friendship took root that day. That was twenty-one years ago, and in that time countless people question us as to if we are sisters. A question always makes us laugh, for although we do not share the same blood in our veins, if I did have a sister, I would want her to be Shannon. We always have been, and always will be the best of friends.

Over the past twenty-one years, there have been times when we have lost touch with each other, for a few months or even for years at time. Life just seems to get in the way sometimes. Somehow, as the world spins around and around, we always find each other again and if life is spiraling uncontrollably down the drain for me, she is there with a kind word, good advice, and a sense of humor that will save the day. If I am flying high on the wings of life, she is there beside me, making the ride so much the better. She is a special person, with a huge and giving heart that will do anything for the people she loves, no matter the cost. This, combined with her wonderful sense of humor and the strength of steel that she possesses make her who she is: the best friend a girl could possibly ask for.

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