Throughout elementary, middle, and high school there is  continuous change with people moving, schools combining, and a number of other circumstances. However, the proximity of the same people—some for up to 13 years—creates bonds many would have never expected. For Rylee Jones, 12, their wide range of activities allowed them to find a number of friendships they never thought possible. 

When Jones began participating in unified classes their junior year, they sparked a friendship with Willow Marcum, 10. Since then, their proximity to the unified program has grown their understanding for those with different abilities in a positive way.

“You obviously get to know some of the kids, and you hang out with them a lot. You get to learn about their quirks, or their interests, or even their disability,” Jones said. “I feel it’s really important to be with kids with special needs because it helps you learn about them and how to act around those with special needs. [It is also important] for those kids to learn how to communicate and act around other people. They’re both just as important.” 

Jones’ friendships through the unified program have not been the only ones they sparked through proximity. They have also found friendships in other classes and even advisory. 

“I’ve grown close with three or four people in my advisory that I have also been friends with outside of there. There are some people I never would have thought to be friends with, but when I have a class with them I’m like ‘Oh, I actually really like talking to this person.’ It’s created bonds that I wouldn’t have had if I wouldn’t have taken that class,” Jones said. 

Outside of class, Jones feels the proximity they felt to their teammates in cheer and wrestling provided friendships they wouldn’t have expected. 

“Sometimes sports friendships can be hard because you’re part of the same team, and there is some competition there,” Jones said. “I feel like in the end, it creates a bond especially wrestling because the people you are friends with can all relate to how hard the sport tolls on you. So I feel like those really hard sports can create really good bonds because you both struggle and feel torture that you’re enduring together.” 

Through the proximity of classes, both unified and general, as well as sports, Jones formed a number of friendships that impact their daily life. Many of these they saw as unexpected, highlighting just how important it is to speak to and connect with the people surrounding you every day.