After scrolling through their photos, two girls come upon an old photo of them together, dressed up in glittery dresses and high heels for their eighth grade formal. Memories come rushing back to the girls as they reminisce over the times they spent together over the past six years and how they have become such close friends.

Seniors Fariha Saleh and Alejandra Pulido have been best friends since middle school. The two met in sixth grade during their gym class.

“We had a little group of friends in there, and it just happened,” Saleh said. “We had a friend named Tiffany, and she was our mutual friend. That’s how we started hanging out.”

In regards to their long-lasting friendship, Pulido said they have a tendency of never fighting.

“We’re just really understanding of each other, so we barely fight and we are pretty forgiving,” Pulido said. “We just get each other.”

After going to California and Louisiana together for their orchestra trips, Pulido said that she got to know Saleh better as a person. The two were roommates and spent most of their time with each other. Likewise, the trips were one of the most memorable times for Saleh.

“We had this rule where we had a pillow between us every time we slept so that we wouldn’t touch each other,” Saleh said. “On the last day, she broke the rule and when I woke up, she was all cuddled up on my shoulder.”

Despite being polar opposites, Saleh said that they balance each other out.

“She keeps me rational, and I bring out her wild side,” Saleh said. “Without her, I would be a lot more out there. She keeps me from doing things I know I shouldn’t, but don’t have the impulse to control myself. She pretty much keeps me in check.”

According to Pulido, the two are both focused on their studies, and they often help each other out.

“We’re always supporting each other,” Pulido said. “Like, ‘Oh, make sure you get your biology homework done,’ and stuff like that.”

Both Saleh and Pulido hope to enter the medical field. Saleh wants to become an orthopedic surgeon, while Pulido wants to work in pediatrics. Additionally, they are both trying to see if they can go to college together.

“College would be really hard because you have to make new friends and stuff,” Saleh said. “Without a support system, that would be really hard.”

Pulido appreciates how Saleh is always there for her when she needs someone to talk to.

“She’s very understanding and gives good advice,” Pulido said. “I love how she’s really funny. Whenever I am sad, she’ll make me laugh and feel better.”

In the future, the two hope to continue being best friends.

“I think we’re going to be those best friends who have been best friends since like sixth grade,” Saleh said. “We’re just gonna be best friends for a long time.”