A Second Chance at Friendship
A seven-year-old version of me would be shocked at who I have become. Growing up, I refused to wear dresses or other “pretty” clothes my female relatives tried to give me. Instead, I opted for the more comfortable but slightly ratty-looking t-shirts and jeans day after day. I attribute my not-so-stylish sense of style to my family life. Raised with two older brothers, all I wanted was to be one of the boys. At the same time, however, part of me longed for that female influence that came with having an older sister. I spent countless hours imagining how cool it would be to have another girl in the house–someone I could follow everywhere and copy all the time. Consequently, every older girl I met became like a hero(ine) to me. One of these girls has managed to make her way back into my life.
Jennifer was just about everything I was not as a child. She was girly, outgoing, and super talkative. We were polar opposites. While I hid behind my mother’s back in crowds, she flaunted her theatrical talents on stage every chance she had. Her parents are my parents’ longtime friends, so our families got together every once in a while to go to dinner or a movie. My family often went to watch Jennifer’s plays, and hers came to several sporting events for my brothers and me. Whenever my mom would tell me we would be going to see one of her plays, I would look forward to it with excitement and anticipation for weeks. Throughout the shows, I was mesmerized by her ability on stage–her ability to stand in front of a crowd and do something she loved. I wanted so badly to be like her, but I was too shy to even say more than a few words to her. When she would emerge from backstage after a show, the most I could say was, “hi,” and “bye.” I admired her as a hero, but only from a safe distance.
I’ve changed pretty dramatically since then. I’m outgoing in just about every sense of the word. (I once began a sentence while talking to some friends with, “I’m not exactly shy,” and they went hysterical with laughter.) Though I wouldn’t call myself a “girly girl,” I no longer refuse to wear feminine clothes like dresses. I’ve become very involved with leadership and community service activities throughout high school and now my first year of college. Now, lightyears away from that shy little girl who could barely utter a greeting, emerges a young intern at the law firm of Javitch, Block & Rathbone, and she is lucky enough to be granted a second chance at friendship with a childhood hero.
Jennifer is now Jen, a 22 year-old graduate of The University of Michigan. A young woman of character and intelligence, she is just as exuberant and outgoing as ever. She has been working for JB&R for years now, and this summer I’ve been lucky enough to join her. She instantly made me feel welcome at work, offering to go to lunch whenever I wanted and answer any questions I might have. We’ve spent time together outside work several times, and I had an absolute blast being with her. What’s more, she has offered me advice on several occasions and been a listening ear in some of the most difficult times I’ve ever known. As summer and my internship near an end, I feel blessed to say I’ve gained a friend in someone who I used to simply gawk at from a safe distance. Jen has helped me feel more confident and at ease with myself. I hope I have gained a friend for life, perhaps the closest thing I have to a big sister.
So much has changed in mine and Jen’s relationship since I was that seven year-old shy girl. She and I have both grown and matured in many ways. Through all these changes and our newfound friendship, one thing remains: I admire her just like that punk of a little kid admired her hero.
July 23rd, 2009at 8:41 am
aahh, you’re growing up!! Cute story, I think most of us can relate to feeling a little geeky as a kid, most of us outgrow it!! At least I think I did!!!ha, ha!!