SOCAL SOCIAL

A sapling requires careful nurture in order for it to grow and strengthen to become a tall sturdy tree. But not every sapling gets to 'grow up'; a sapling can only grow as big as the pot allows, unless, of course, the caregiver makes a conscious effort to help it overcome the obstacle.

Friendship is like a sapling, with its fragile roots and delicate stems. With time, friends become closer and friendship becomes stronger. But distance always presents itself as the biggest obstacle of friendship. Unless people make a conscious effort to get to know each other, spend time with each other, the wobbly foundation just might crumble, and friends long forgotten.

Why suddenly bring this up? Well, this weekend, I attended something called the "SoCal Social" with my fellow dragonboat teammates. The purpose of this social was to get to know the people from other dragonboat teams. We played various games throughout the day, and everyone had fun.

As I commend the effort to nurture the sapling of friendship between the schools, I wonder if this will last. Even though my group and I seemingly became very well acquainted over the course of the day, there was still a slight awkwardness that I can't put my finger on.

Let's just hope that next time I see them at races, we won't pretend to be complete strangers.

A slight nod of the head, or a simple smile.

Yea, that would be nice.