I had a friend in elementary school. Not three, now two, but one. He was also the first friend I have made in my entire life. I don’t really remember his name, but let’s call him John. John was athletic, he played soccer, and basketball, and played tag with others. Young Finn was the complete opposite. Don’t get me wrong, I could run in fact, I was actually one of the fastest boys in my current grade. However, I never saw the appeal of running around with others in competing in an endless game of chase. So instead of participating in athletic activities with others, I stayed in the classroom and read. I read during recess, both in and out of the classroom. At some point I was addicted to reading and forced my teacher to have a conversation with my parents because I was reading during classes. Although John never really understood why anyone would read outside of the required text books, he still talked with me about the contents of the books i was reading. Back then this made me understand the core concept of a good friend: Someone who is willing to stay and entertain you, even if it means they don’t necessarily the topic.

During this time, I also started noticing how my other classmates were treating each other. Most children at this age, myself included, are easily influenced by others, self-centered, or lack empathy. Friend groups demonstrated these personalities the most. If someone was made fun of, everyone else would instantly pile on to mock that person. One day, John became the person that was made fun of.
It was another regular day. The weather was sunny and there wasn’t a single cloud seen in the sky, for everyone it started as an uplifting and joyful day for everyone. Unfortunately, it was a Tuesday, which meant every one of every grade had to stand outside, raise and salute the flag, and listen to daily announcements. After roasting under the hot, blazing sun for forty minutes, everyone was sweaty and agitated.

Unfortunately, John was wearing a shirt that was perfect for the situation, although I do not remember what the shirt looked like, I can try to describe it: It was a bright yellow shirt, in the center was a circle with an ugly purple flower. After first period, John was mocked for wearing such an ugly shirt. Initially it was just one person, saying “Oh dear John, that is such a hideous outfit are you color blind or something?” Like typical first graders, all his friends piled on by saying hurtful phrases such as “Did your Grandma pick your clothes for you?” and “Is that your sister’s shirt?” By the end of the day, John was tired, exasperated, and looked like he did not want to spend another day at this school. During all this mocking, I stayed quiet, to be honest I thought his shirt was alright, but did not want to make myself a fool in front of others. So at the end of school, I told him: “To be honest, I think that shirt looks great on you. ” At first, he did not believe me, but I insisted, and it cheered him up. Later that day John’s mom was having conservation with my mom and told my mom about the story. His mom told her when John came home, he was overjoyed and completely forgot about the others who mocked him.

On that day, I learned something really important. I realized that it was not about the amount friends you had, those were the ones with the least value. With so many, you lose the concept of a true friend, a person who is willing to talk with you, comfort you, and bring you joy no matter the situation. Those with the least friends, value and understand them the most.

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