In the spring, we visited Petre Pandrea Theoretical High School in Balș. During the Magic of Personal Development event, we chose to conduct a case study on friendship with the students. Typically, it would have been an entrepreneurial case study, but the welcoming atmosphere and their energy helped me shift the perspective.
I decided that this exercise could also be shaped around personal development.
Here’s what the students identified as important to them regarding friendship:
– Trust
– Support
– Honesty
– Understanding
– Affection / Emotional support
– Humor
– Non-judgmental attitude
– Ability to be a good mentor
– Respect
– Attention
– Unconditional help
– Unconditional friendship
– Intelligence
The case study on friendship at Petre Pandrea Theoretical High School in Balș seemed to have a significant impact on the students and provided them with an opportunity to better understand the concept of friendship and their expectations from it.
Here are some key ideas and ways in which this exercise helped the students discover what their peers desire in friendships, their personal and shared expectations, and how their future friendships might look:
Understanding the Values of Friendship
By identifying what is important to their friends, the students had the opportunity to explore and understand more deeply the values they themselves place in friendship. This introspection helped them become more aware of the importance of trust, honesty, support, and respect in their personal relationships.
Developing Empathy
The exercise encouraged students to see things from others’ perspectives and understand that their personal expectations might differ from those of their friends. This ability to empathize and accept diversity in friends’ desires can contribute to building stronger relationships.
Increasing Responsibility in Friendship
The idea that a friend should be able to be a good mentor highlighted the importance of personal growth within friendships. The students may have been inspired to become better friends and take greater responsibility in supporting and guiding their peers.
Exploring the Concept of Unconditional Friendship
Appreciating the need for unconditional friendship led to an interesting discussion about the boundaries and expectations in relationships. The students learned that friendship should not be one-sided and that it’s important to give as much as they receive.
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
Seeking friends who provide emotional support and can understand others’ needs and feelings encouraged students to develop emotional intelligence skills. This can contribute to healthier relationships and a better ability to cope with challenging situations.
Planning for the Future
Following the exercise, the students gained a clearer perspective on their expectations and how they want their friendships to look in the future. This provided them with a framework for developing and maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships throughout their lives.
Improving Communication Skills
Through open and honest discussions about their expectations of friendship, the students had the opportunity to improve their communication skills. This skill is crucial for building and maintaining successful interpersonal relationships.
Overall, this exercise was a formative experience for the students, helping them better understand the values and expectations related to friendship and become more aware of the roles they can play in their interpersonal relationships.
This could have a positive impact on their lives and the way they build and maintain friendships in the future.