Class of 2016: Friendship is a Balancing Act

A best friend is someone that you can count on in time of need. It’s someone that will be there for you no matter what and always have your best interest at heart, and that have all your trust.

Arianna Hernandez and Jessica Barrera, seniors at CI, have been this person to each other since back when they attended Ocean View Middle School together.

They met in 6th grade and became friends. They became best friends when Barrera confessed to Hernandez about a crush. After that they both started getting closer.

Hernandez says the reason they’ve been friends for so long is due to their differences. They balance each other out, she says.

Barrera is a vegan and loves working out while Hernandez doesn’t like to.

“She also always has to have a plan for something and it drives me crazy,” says Hernandez with a chuckle.

Another difference Barrera mentions is makeup; while she’s never been into it, Hernandez loves it.

But they also have many similarities. They have the same sense of humor. And they’re straight up people, which is helpful to their friendship because they’re straight up with each other about everything.

“She knows too much,” Barrera says with a laugh about why their friendship has lasted so long.

They also agree on a lot of things which is quite helpful.

However, they’re also different and since they have different interests, they’re always trying new things together.

“We’re always learning from each other,” says Hernandez.

Barrera’s favorite memories with her best friend are Hernandez always going to her softball games to support her. She even had signs. And Hernandez’s favorite memory is their 8th grade Grad Night at Six Flags because it was both of their first times there.

Hernandez will be attending Ventura College next year and Barrera will be attending CSU Fullerton.