by Jennifer Zhan, senior editor

I’m clutching my cup of tea with a little more force than necessary.

I planned this. Not a party, not a movie — just a couple hours to simply talk to my friends without worrying about being cut off by the bell or a disapproving teacher. Whether we’re complaining about school or sharing what happened over the weekend, there’s no doubt that personal conversations are what keep the school year bearable. And despite all the tests and projects and late night stress-crying, every summer a part of me is counting down the days until school starts. I miss getting to talk to my my friends every day.

Which brings us back to this cafe, where my friends and I are currently all grinning awkwardly at each other across the table, trying to keep this feeble small talk from sputtering to a painful, drawn-out death.

“Guys…can you believe school is so soon?”

“I know. I’m not ready.”

“Me neither.”

“Summer’s going so fast.”

“Yeah.”

“……”

My mind is casting around for topics, but its normal defaults- shared homework, annoying teachers, and club drama- are no longer applicable. In school, didn’t we often complain about conversations cut short because we had to go opposite ways in the hallway or get back to busy work? Where’s that  immediate, ceaseless flow of conversation now?

But just as I’m thinking with horror that everything I have in common with my friends is purely academic, the conversation picks up. People start shooting meaningful glances at our table, clearly annoyed that their introspective coffee time is now being interrupted by the raucous laughter of a pack of high school students.

I’m awash in a wave of ridiculously powerful relief as I leave, though I don’t tell my friends that. Come August, yes, over half of my conversations will probably be about school. But that’s okay. Since we’re students, it’s understandable that a huge part of our lives revolves around school. But our school lives aren’t a part of our identities. Being a student doesn’t define who your friends are or what kind of person you are.

So although you will see each other every day during school, meet with your friends in the summer. Reassure yourself that the foundation of friendship is much more than being in the same clubs or having classes together.

Sure, it might be a little unsettling to talk to each other when you’re not all weighed down by backpacks. You could even find yourself drinking tea to buy yourself time to think of another variation of “how has your summer been so far?” But spending time talking face to face outside of the context of school will remind you that your friends like you for who you are. That’s a humbling and happy reminder.