We don’t text all day anymore.
We send one photo, maybe two,
and trust the rest.

You still know when I’m tired.
I still know when you’re pretending
not to be.

We learned each other
in small places.
Bus rides.
Shared snacks.
Laughing too loud
when we were supposed to be quiet.

Somewhere, we stopped needing proof.
No constant updates.
No matching schedules.
Just the quiet understanding
that we’re still here.

When we meet again,
it’s easy.
Like sitting down in a chair
you once thought you lost.

We don’t hold each other tightly.
We don’t have to.

We stay
because we want to.

The post How We Stay Friends appeared first on GirlSpring.

As an upcoming senior who has grown a lot over the last few years, here are the essential tips for surviving and thriving in your first year of high school to help you have the best high school experience!

1. Don’t stress about the increase in workload

It sounds easier said than done, right? Having to do more work can be scary because it means more stress and less fun. You might be rethinking how ready you are. However, it is be doable!

Remember, the workload assigned in high school is designed for your age group, so everyone else will be having the same struggles (whether they admit it or not). Think back to when you were in elementary school when you were so worried about going to the next grade – well this is the same!

Well, good news, you made it! This year will be very similar to the past few years. You might be thinking it’s going to be impossible, but all of the sudden you’ll be heading to 10th grade and realizing you made it through!

      2. Be prepared for your friends to switch around – it’s natural!

One of the worst feelings can be losing a friend. Whether that be abruptly or slowly, it hurts all the same. But remember, you’re growing up and finding yourself, which sometimes means outgrowing certain friends. Your personalities might have matched in elementary or middle school, but people change over time, which is totally normal.

People never stay the same their whole lives, especially as they mature. Although this might be tough at first, you will meet other people later on who you might get along great with. With this in mind, be open to creating friendships with all different types of people! Just because you have different hobbies, doesn’t mean your personalities won’t go great together!

       3. Don’t be afraid to say no – or yes!

Given the increased workload in high school, you’re now at the age when, “my mom said I have to stay home and study,” is the best excuse for saying no to an invitation.

High school can be hard, especially when your friends start partaking in activities you may or may not want to join in on. If you don’t want to do those same things and don’t feel comfortable telling people that, there’s nothing wrong with slowly distancing yourself.

Moreover, growing up comes with freedom, and if you feel comfortable with something and you know you won’t be doing anything wrong, then don’t feel guilty about it.

      4. Learn to cope with jealousy

As you grow up, you might encounter more complex or difficult social situations than you did before. Maybe your two closest friends are having a sleepover without you, or the friend group you thought you were a part of is having a group function without you. Maybe you can’t afford the new store everyone is shopping at, or you’re the only one of your friends without a boyfriend or girlfriend, so you miss out on the double dates.

Dealing with jealousy in high school is inevitable. Some people you know may leave you feeling genuinely left out, but if you feel comfortable mentioning it to them, then go ahead. It’s important to remember that these things will happen now and then throughout your life, and you might even make someone feel like this without realizing it!

Try to keep in mind that if you’re comfortable with yourself, jealousy doesn’t sting as badly. Also, if someone is purposefully leaving you out, they are clearly dealing with their own insecurities, which has nothing to do with you.

What if people left you out but not purposefully? Feeling like no one even thought of you can sometimes hurt even worse. In cases like these, those people clearly aren’t your real friends, but that’s okay. Be happy with people you click with, and it’ll feel so much better than feeling left out by the “popular” crew.

        5. Join those clubs

During my freshman year of high school, I moved to a new city to attend a new school. Being in a new setting without knowing anyone on the first day of school was possibly one of the most nerve wracking experiences of my life. I can still feel the crippling anxiety I felt as I got out of the car.

I sat by someone who looked nice and tried to start conversation by asking, “what homeroom do you have?” After the conversation picked up, I realized it wasn’t so bad. Over the next month, I joined every club my schedule would allow, and that’s how I met my people!

Clubs are the best way to find friends with similar interests as you. Plus, they look great to colleges – a win-win! I cannot recommend anything as much as getting involved. As long as you don’t overwhelm yourself, you won’t regret it!

Here’s a cute book about transitioning into freshman year! And don’t forget to check out Girl Spring’s advice on freshman year tips!

The post Essential Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Your First Year of High School appeared first on GirlSpring.

First off, I would like to say that the casting for Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) was very well done. These actresses really embodied their characters through dancing and vocals. I was very impressed. So far, this movie has stayed true to the stage production not just by sticking to the original story but also through the vocal stylings of Cynthia Erivo. She sang with so much passion and definitely did justice to the song Defying Gravity. Another thing that the movie did very well was the costumes, especially Glinda’s.

Throughout the movie, Glinda has many very cute and stylish outfits that she wears. They looked so pretty and cute on Arianna Grande. Lastly, this is a spoiler alert for any big fans of the stage production, but I loved how Idina Mendel and Kristin Chenoweth had a small cameo together with Cynthia and Ariana. Seeing the original Elphaba and Glinda with Ariana and Cynthia was heartwarming. It seemed to symbolize them passing the role on to the next generation. All in all, I would give this Wicked Part 1 movie adaptation a 10/10 and I am very excited for part 2.

If you enjoyed this review of Wicked, check out more great movie reviews here!

The post Wicked Part 1: My Official Review appeared first on GirlSpring.

Stay Open and Approachable

First impressions matter, so presenting yourself as friendly and approachable will make a huge difference. Smile often, maintain good eye contact, and show genuine interest in others.

People are naturally drawn to positive energy. Whether sitting in class or walking through the hallways, keep your body language open. Avoid crossed arms or looking down at your phone all the time.

Try saying “hello” to classmates or complimenting someone. Friendly gestures like these can open the door to conversations and potential friendships.

Join Clubs, Teams, or Activities

One of the best ways to meet people is by participating in extracurricular activities. Whether drama club, student council, or the soccer team, joining a group based on your interests places you in an environment where friendships can develop naturally.

For instance, if you’re into sports, try joining the tennis team. Shared experiences like warmup stretches before tennis practice or working together on doubles matches will spark conversations and create bonds. By showing up consistently and engaging actively, you’ll build camaraderie and make friends who share your passions.

Practice Active Listening

While making friends involves putting yourself out there, it’s equally important to listen. Paying attention to what others say shows that you care and value their thoughts. When someone talks about their weekend plans or their favorite TV shows, ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing.

Listening also helps you discover shared interests and create deeper connections. You don’t need to dominate every conversation. Instead, focus on creating a balanced dialogue where everyone feels heard and included.

Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Meeting new people means stepping into unfamiliar territory. Sitting with a group of strangers at lunch or striking up a conversation with someone in a class might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s worth the effort. Small risks like these often lead to big rewards.

Everyone was new to high school at some point. Remember that you’re not alone. Most people appreciate a friendly gesture or an attempt to connect, even if you feel a bit awkward. Confidence grows with practice and patience; the more you reach out, the easier making friends will become.

Stay Patient and Be Yourself

Building friendships takes time, so don’t try to rush the process. Authenticity is key to creating strong, genuine connections.

Stay true to yourself and let your personality shine. People will appreciate your honesty and feel comfortable opening up around you.

If it takes a few weeks or even months to find your group, that’s okay. Friendships grow naturally when you’re friendly and kind.

Attending a new high school is a fresh start filled with possibilities. These tips for making friends at a new high school will help you navigate this exciting chapter with confidence and positivity.

The post Helpful Tips for Making Friends at a New High School appeared first on GirlSpring.

Colors of Change

Autumn leaves change fast

Almost too fast to see them

Then away they go

Some friends are these leaves

They are there then they are gone

It happens sometimes

It’s a part of life

It’s a part of growing up

It’s a normal thing

But like autumn leaves

New friendships will come again

Bringing new color

The post Colors of Change appeared first on GirlSpring.

Many questions randomly seem to pass through my mind throughout what my biological clock tells me is “day”. Yet, one seems to appear multiple times a day. A version of the question “What is Love?”

Safety, Warmth, Shelter, and Compassion. The feeling of belonging and knowing you are right where you need to be. Not the type of love where requests are met due to obligation or requirement, but the reciprocated type of love. The effortless flow of feeling and simple want of being in the presence of certain people type of love. Not the type that makes you feel like you have to change yourself to be just right, or the type of love that is forced upon you through relation. Simply the indescribable emotion felt only with certain people who motivate you to be better. Without you even knowing it, these people genuinely want the best for you. The type of love where you won’t understand its significance until you have felt it purely.

However, as this question persisted in my mind, I realized that there can’t be one concrete answer to it. Just as an essay or analysis can vary depending on the author, the answer genuinely differs from person to person. A reflective example: Imagine someone who misses their loved one. They make connections throughout the day that resemble that person’s influence on their own life.

For instance, two trees-one shorter than the other-remind a person of someone they miss. The same applies to the people’s relationship. In this example, those who have not shared the same experiences and moments with this person will likely see the trees as random, highlighting why the definition of love depends on your individual experiences. Without the experiences that each person feels individually, the power of Love diminishes with false hope.

Despite the feeling of pure happiness brought by being around loved ones, love can teach us many things as well. The vulnerability felt automatically when expressing love towards people brings joy and growth into our lives. Although love may bring everyone a peculiar connection with trees, it sure can make us do things we didn’t think we would do for anyone.

The post What is Love? appeared first on GirlSpring.

More freedom, fewer worries

Without a date, you don’t need to worry about the awkward conversations with their parents. Plus you don’t have to worry about having to stay with your date the whole dance. If you don’t have to stay with one person, you can dance with all of your friends and you would not be leaving someone behind. You also won’t have to worry about feeling pressured to impress your date. Without the added pressure of trying to impress someone, you can be silly and dance any way that you want to. Consequently, you’ll have fun and make many amazing memories.

Strengthen friendships

A great way to make memories on homecoming night is to go out with a big group of friends. Go to a restaurant and go to the dance with them instead of with a date. Dancing with your friends will build even stronger bonds between you and your buddies.

A final note

Lastly, I would like to say that just because you don’t have a date, that does not mean that you are any less important than other girls. You’re beautiful just the way that you are and having a date does not define you. Remember that the memories that will truly last will be the ones that you make with people that you care about.

Thank you for reading and have an amazing time at this year’s homecoming dance. 

The post No Hoco Date? No Problem. appeared first on GirlSpring.

Joining a sorority is about building connections, personal growth, and contributing positively to the community. Whether you’ve just joined a sorority or are thinking about joining one, there are tons of ways to plan on connecting with your sisters. Check out these excellent activities to do with your sorority.

Sisterhood Retreat

Escaping busy campus life and retreating to a serene location can strengthen sisterly bonds. Whether it’s a cabin in the woods, a beach house, or a quiet country estate, a sisterhood retreat lets you unwind, reflect, and grow closer.

You can schedule workshops focusing on personal development, team-building exercises, and open discussions to facilitate deeper connections and understanding among the sisters.

Philanthropy Events

Philanthropy is at the core of many sororities, embodying the spirit of charity and supporting meaningful causes. Organizing a neighborhood clean-up or doing fundraisers are some ways a sorority can give back to the community.

You all can make a positive change on campus and have pride within your sisterhood. Plus, working together toward a common goal is a great way to enhance teamwork!

Wellness Workshops

Hosting wellness workshops is a thoughtful way to show that you care about your sisters’ well-being. Invite experts to do sessions on yoga, meditation, stress management, nutrition, and self-care practices. These workshops can provide valuable tools and techniques for leading a healthier, more balanced life.

Arts and Crafts Night

Unleash your sorority’s creative side with an arts and crafts night. This fun activity is perfect for de-stressing and allows members to express themselves uniquely. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s painting, jewelry making, scrapbooking, or pottery.

It is a great way to explore creativity and results in beautiful handmade items that can serve as mementos of your time together!

Campus Scavenger Hunt

Bring some excitement and adventure into members’ lives with a campus scavenger hunt. A scavenger hunt is an excellent activity to do with your sorority because it’s fun and helps newer members become more familiar with the campus.

Incorporate riddles and clues about your sorority’s history and traditions to make it educational. This activity will surely bring out the competitive spirit in everyone while promoting teamwork and collaboration.

Potluck Dinner

Organize a potluck dinner where each sister brings a dish to share. Encourage everyone to bring recipes that are meaningful to them, whether it’s a family recipe, a dish from their cultural background, or something they simply love to cook. This activity is not just about enjoying delicious food—it’s about sharing stories and learning more about each other.

The post Excellent Activities To Do With Your Sorority appeared first on GirlSpring.

Being a teenager, the world is thrown at you. Some days we feel like grown-ups, other days we remember we’re just kids. We become more self-aware – both fortunately and unfortunately so. Yet, we are still trying to figure out exactly who this “self” is. 

As wonderful of an opportunity as the high school experience can be, finding our place to belong within it is difficult at first. Finding those who see the world the same way, laugh at the same absurdities, and dream the same dreams can be the greatest guide one needs to take what is thrown at us with open arms.

Despite what others may say about teenagers, I believe our friendships can be and are fruitful and profound. Here are three ways to create these deep relationships, ensuring that they outlive high school, long-distance colleges, and the life following thereafter. 

1. Discover Together

Discovering new places and hobbies with a friend is an exciting way for you to discover more about each other. Visiting a nearby city or learning an instrument together gives you an experience to bond over. It also shows you just how well you live life together. You may even discover a talent or interest of your friends that you never knew about.

2. Spend Time with Each Other’s Family

For a girl who is super close to her family like me, it’s so important to see if my two favorite people mesh well together. Besides testing out the compatibility between the people you love the most, one’s home is often where they are most authentic and comfortable. Seeing this side of your friend or allowing your friend to see this side of yourself leads to a greater connection and authenticity essential to any relationship.

I love having friends over for dinner (or for making dinner), not only to introduce them to the people who have raised me and shaped me into who I am, but also because I’m comfortable being wholly myself at home and can finally share that with someone outside of it. If your parents are up for it, inviting a friend on vacation with your family is also a great way to do this.

3. Work Through Discomfort Together

No friendship is perfect. There are disagreements, miscommunications, and moments of imperfection. With a mature and understanding attitude, however, these disagreements can result in a greater bond than before. I know what it’s like to want to let something go, either due to the fear of confrontation or a fear that your friend will get upset at you. I also know what it’s like to want to resort to pettiness. It’s easy to only care about how you were wronged or how you feel.

Instead of ignoring the situation or creating a tense environment for the two of you, I propose to talk about it. Tell them how you are truly feeling, and be open to their side of the story. Understand them, and after all things considered, be forgiving. Not every conflict is the same, and forgiveness may not be an option. But at least you gave the time needed for yourself, and your friend to think without anger or pettiness. 

To read more about friendship, check out How to Brighten a Friend’s Day!

And for more tips on how to make and keep strong friendships, click here!

The post How to Have Deeper Friendships as a Teenager appeared first on GirlSpring.

Jokes Gone Too Far

When making a joke that talks about body weight or looks, it can be dangerous. You never know when your joke can take a toll on someone’s life. Say that you make a joke that’s calling your best friend fat, how can you really tell if she’s faking a laugh, signaling the topic to move on. No matter if your joke is an inside joke or not, it can go too far and can cause major damage on the person that’s the center of the joke.

A common effect of jokes targeting body image is an eating disorder. Eating disorders are very serious and can be fatal. I’m not saying that you should not tell jokes, I’m just stating that you should think twice before commenting about people’s bodies because you never know how someone is really feeling. Try to tell jokes that aren’t about beauty standards and more about chickens crossing roads or what you call 3-legged cows (ground beef ?).

Click here to see how Girl Spring contributor Suhani Tiwari’s article explains the seriousness of eating disorders and the consequences of negativity on the body.

On a lighter note, check out some funny jokes you can’t help but laugh at here!

The post The Effects of Jokes appeared first on GirlSpring.