Hey girls

My name is Taiba and when I got to secondary school being a part of a crew was such a big deal. If you didn’t have a “clique” to belong to you weren’t cool.

I saw so many people being fake and doing things they didn’t really want to do all because they felt the need to belong in a group.

But I’m here to tell you that friendship isn’t about quantity, it’s about quality. What’s the point of having 10 friends if none of them will show up to your birthday party? Or if no-one offers to help you when you need it most.

I know we face so much pressure to fit in, but standing out and being yourself is actually much better! Trust me!

When you are yourself you attract real authentic friends, who love you for you. Not people who want to be friends just to use you. Like my friend Jema. She’s my best and only friend, but I’m so happy to have her in my life. She’s always there for me when I need her. She helps me with my science homework, we walk home together, and look out for each other. We read Springster stories together. She even buys me random gifts when she goes to the market. Now that’s a real friend. She doesn’t just call me when she wants something. Or to show off to me about something. She talks to me about her good days and bad days! I know everything about her and she knows everything about me.

I would never trade Jema in for more friends. She’s a million friends in one! And I love her for that.

So Springsters, don’t focus on the number of friends you have… focus on the type of friends you have, and make sure they are good ones!