A true friendship is one of the most valuable things in the world. Bonds with family are important, but they are also predetermined. A friend is someone you choose, based on your own plans or whims, your own criteria, your own conditions. In a way, the friends you choose say a lot about the person you are.
“So, you’ve never tried bubble tea?”
Two cups of Bubble Tea with tapioca
I’ve never been the kind of person who assertively seeks friends. What does that say about me? I’ve always been the type who wades in the water until a more aggressive swimmer decides to scream “Marco!” first. However, one friendship of mine has changed that.
“C’mon, I’ll take you to the best bubble tea place in Chinatown.”
Two years ago, I met Cassandra Lee through a mutual friend and she single-handedly transformed my life. Of course, when I first met her, I didn’t know that that would be the case. Every friendship starts off modestly, unassuming, even a bit suspicious. Traversing past the introductions is the fun part about meeting someone new, with the hope that you’ll both find something you can relate to.
“Hmm… well we have to find Mott Street. Then I’ll know the way from there.”
With Cassandra, introductions were completely unnecessary. She likes to jump right into the thick of things only to pull something out and make it into something new. When I met her, there was no awkwardness and no second-guessing. Her can-and-will-do attitude was infectious. No, I wouldn’t jump off of a bridge if Cassandra wanted to, but then again, she would cancel whatever was on her schedule if the jump included bungee cords. Like I said, she loves getting into the thick of things, but within reason.
“See, there’s fruit-flavored tea and milk teas. We could each get one and share.”
That’s the most amazing thing about Cassandra. She doesn’t act too radically to a point where it’s simply outrageous, but she doesn’t hesitate when she knows there’s some risk involved either. She is the eye of the storm: calm, but central to the integrity of all the commotion that surrounds her. And when we met I was proud to become a part of that commotion.
“You stab the straw right through the top. I always aim for the little guy’s nose: dead center!”
Since I met Cassandra, I’ve begun to realize a lot about myself. Life is certainly worth living more than once. After all of the mistakes you make the first go around, it would be interesting to see how things went if you were given a second chance. But the life you live now is the only one that’s guaranteed. You have to make the most of it despite what anyone tells you. When I met Cassandra, I realized I had to start making the most out of my life.
“The tapioca is the best part! I’m learning how to make the bubbles myself.”
Cassandra taught me how to live life in the moment, and I’ll always value our friendship for that. I didn’t choose to be friends with Cassandra, but I’m glad she chose me. It’s helped me recognize that decisions are to be made in life and you shouldn’t shy away from them. You have to make those decisions and not let them make you.
“Of course, I like to get one to-go and throw it in the fridge when I get home. At least until I’m really good at making my own.”
Cassandra has always been good at making her life her own and as a result, I’ve started to do so as well.
–Christopher Cusack, Hofstra University
Photo Credit: http://bubbleteablog.tumblr.com/
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