u/Away-Document-153

Before I say anything, I agree with the title above because it's true that you become who you surround yourself with. It is important to have company that makes you happy.

However, I think that SDAs (some or maybe most) take it to an extreme.

It's frustrating because imagine meeting genuinely good people in your life. Along the way, some individuals may broaden your perspective in life. But of course, once a minor change is noticed, everyone's saying you're long gone. Apparently, there is only one right way in life?

People outside the denomination can be good and even more of a blessing than those within. It's frustrating whenever "outsiders" are assumed to be bad influences of character and whatnot. No wonder many SDAs are socially stunted and inexperienced.

When I was in grade 10, I only had one classmate. Yes, I know... ONE CLASSMATE. Until now, I don't really know if we were in good terms. We barely talked to each other, but sometimes we would. She would only come to me so that she could copy all the school work I worked on.

Many times, she would bring her guy friends to our classroom to play ball, and I got hit many times. I tried giving her a farewell gift by the end of the school year, but she just left it somewhere and transferred schools.

Until now, I don't know if we were in good terms or not. What I do know, though, is that it has been the weirdest high school year for me. I wonder how I survived for a year...