Ode to my friends.

I met Ryan the very first weekend of college. Neither of us were drinking when we crossed paths at a rush event. Neither of us pledged and we’ve been friends ever since.

Jenna and I met in a Dream Group. It was tentative at first, “Can I trust her?” we each thought. At the end of the semester, Jenna declared, “Leah, I’d like to be your friend.”

Catherine and I were two of 27 students in La Plata, studying abroad in 1998. Although we went to rival colleges, we became friends and have been friends ever since.

I met Ronnie at an open mike. He was reading his novel, I was doing stand-up comedy. We got into a conversation about his shoelaces and have been friends ever since.

Ace and I stayed at the same hostel for a couple weeks in 1996. Although she lives in Australia and I live in America, we struck up a friendship and maintained it through letters until we both started blogging. Friends ever since.

Then there are all the men and women that lived in my residence halls when I was a Resident Assistant and later a Resident Director. Few became best friends forever, but most would sit and have a beer with me if we happened to be in Chicago.

There are my former co-workers from The Restaurant, The Chamber of Commerce, The Ice Cream Parlor, The Non Profit. A few good friends in there, but a lot of loose connections that I can call on should I need help on a grant or with a recipe.

There are my former teachers, professors, and mentors. Most of whom I can find through the power of google and who I drop in on (electronically) to say hello and give an update from.

There are people I can’t remember who find me on MySpace and make me their friend. I quickly get updated on their life and they on mine.

And now? Now there is this growing legion of Jewish people. A year ago, I couldn’t play a game of Jewish Geography to save my life. All of the sudden, through blogs, a trip to Israel, and just knowing other Jews, I can say, “Oh, I know your sister’s rabbi’s brother!”

So what. Who cares that I know these people and that I’ve maintained all these friendships and loose ties. So. What. Who. Cares.

You should. In a few years, this will be what your company and supervisors covet. It is called networking. Your future is not who you know, it is who knows you. If you can build a past that does not include burnt bridges, but instead includes a loose web of all the people you ever met–you will find success.

It isn’t the only key, but it is a very important part of the combination. By keeping loose ties, I was able to help a new friend travel to Argentina to study tango. I have been able to introduce friends to mortgage brokers and real estate agents. I have passed resumes to and from different friends.

And perhaps, most important, I have been able to say, honestly, “Of course I remember you.” Which is one of the most touching compliments you can give. So stop burning bridges and start collecting strings. Don’t tie them tight, just hold on and gather more. Down the road, when it is time to help someone, you’ll just have to give a little tug and that person you met in a far away land will come to the rescue.