I realize that my reading audience for this blog is primarily adults. So it might seem peculiar that I am referencing the movie theme song from Toy Story in my blog post title, but some kids’ movies are for adults, too! I am not shy to admit that Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are two movies that I love and Randy Newman’s theme song, You’ve Got a Friend in Me, is one of my all-time favourites. If you haven’t heard the song or seen the movie, you should, whether with or without kids present.

Having both recently heard the tune and visited a true friend (see below!), I started to ponder what makes a long-lasting friendship. And here I turn to some of Randy Newman’s lyrics (note: having the tune in your head helps!):

“You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
You got troubles, I’ve got ’em too
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you
We stick together and see it through
’Cause you’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me

Some other folks might be
A little bit smarter than I am
Bigger and stronger too
Maybe
But none of them will ever love you
The way I do”

Long-lasting friendship is fundamentally based upon loyalty; it is loaded with affection and appreciation. I have also learned something else about deep friendships and loyalty as it relates to our school: having a common loyalty to TCS, our mission and purpose, fosters deeper, longer-lasting and valued friendships.

Schools are not alone in this regard. Many teams, clubs, groups create a common cause and sense of purpose that unite. But, there is something special about TCS.

John Gilbert is an alumnus from the class of 1956. He was born in the United States and lives in Brooklyn, New York. To be blunt, I was not even born when he graduated from TCS. In spite of these differences, John and I have become great pals over the course of my two decades at TCS. John has a huge heart, he gives generously of his time and resources to myriad important causes, including Trinity College School. Our common affection and respect for one another is, at its core, based upon our belief in the importance of education for young people, the value of “developing habits of the heart and mind,” and a desire to help foster good people in (and for) this world. In short, we bond on what TCS stands for.

Two people, whose paths likely would have not crossed, yet thanks to our beloved TCS, we have enjoyed dozens of rich conversations, attended Broadway shows and sporting events in New York City, visited at TCS events, and he and his wife Jill (also a wonderful friend!) travelled to attend my wedding last summer.

So, indeed, friendship is fundamentally based upon loyalty. And, it is usually initiated by a common experience, interest, and/or purpose. TCS has been the lifeblood for lifelong friendships for thousands of kids and adults the world over. I am a beneficiary of this and I am forever grateful.

Fittingly, I’ll finish my blog post with the conclusion to Randy Newman’s song:

“And as the years go by
Our friendship will never die
You’re gonna see it’s our destiny
You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me”