Stevie Klein ’12
News Editor
Graduation from high school is bittersweet for many seniors. They are excited about starting a new chapter in their lives, experiencing a new environment, and meeting new people. However, they are also sad to leave behind old friends, their family, and for many, their girlfriends or boyfriends.
One of the greatest tests of any relationship is separation. Therefore, college provides the ultimate test.
“In terms of staying together during college, it depends on how they feel about each other and if they really want it. It’s definitely not easy and takes a lot of hard work,” said school psychologist Marie Miller.
Fear and doubt seem to be reoccurring themes, as many couples have seen these long distance relationships fail many times.
However, despite these difficulties, many couples are still hopeful.
But not every senior is going straight to college. Janine Atway ’10 is going to Africa to work with lion cubs. It is only a two-month trip, and therefore she thinks that her relationship with her boyfriend Peter Bonenfont ’12 will work out.
“I’m only going to be in Africa for two months so it won’t be like a year. Peter and I are really happy together and decided to stay together even though it will be hard. I mean, if we start to drift in different directions that ‘s one thing and we’ll most likely end it, but if things are still great then I could see us making it through the next year” said Atway.
A few couples are still undecided, and they will play it out as time elapses. Melanie Rubin ’10 and her boyfriend who is a senior at Fairfield Prep are enjoying the summer together and deciding what to do from there.
Rubin believes that every relationship is different and that there are many factors that play into it if a long distance relationship can be successful.
“It depends on who is in the relationship to determine if a long distance relationship will work. To determine whether a relationship will remain healthy all depends on people’s sensitivity, paranoia, and commitment level. It’s different for every relationship, so it’s not fair to say that, on the whole, a long distance relationship can or cannot work,” said Rubin.
However, during and after college, things will change and couples realize that college is just the first step of many life changes and separations.
“I would want what’s best for Peter no matter what. Say in a few years he wants to go to college in California and I’m back in New York. I care about him so much that I would push him to chase his dreams and go where he wants because its right for him, and if were meant to be together we will figure out a way,” said Atway.
Nevertheless, on June 23, the class of 2010 will walk across the field house to receive their diplomas, and only time will tell if their relationships will carry through the Staples doors.
