I remember reading about an interesting concept of interconnectedness a few years ago. It said that there’s only twelve (12) or less friends in between any 2 people in the world, regardless of where they’re from. This means that you and I right now could know each other within a chain of 12 mutual friends, regardless of who you are. It is mathematically impossible for this to be false.
As such, we can never underestimate the power of making a new friend, or at the very least, letting yourself be known to others.
Just this week I was part of a 3-day conference-like camp. It was meant for students leaders of schools that are within a specific area of the city. I was a student leader of a school that was far into the province. The only reason I was there was because my school is a satellite campus of one particular university in the city.
As soon as I realized this was the case, every time I talked to other people, I always felt like there were things I couldn’t relate with. I always thought:
“I don’t even belong here.”
And y’know what’s sad? I think I agree with this notion. Logically speaking, I really did not belong there. However, at the end of the day, who cares! I learned so much from the seminars across the three days and met so many interesting people. Who cared if I couldn’t relate with them? Is relatability a prerequisite to communication? Do we have to have something in common for us to connect? In fact, how will we even know if we have anything in common if we don’t make that first effort to commune?
During the three days, I met people who lived in the same area as I did. I met with people who had the same mindset as I did. I found people who had unexpected mutual friends with me.
Look at it this way — how often do these people get to meet people who are from my community? Probably rarely to never. I may feel out of place in my own eyes. But to their eyes, I am a person that can possibly introduce them to new circles. I am an opportunity to grow influence. I am an opportunity to connect two worlds together. Instead of our differences being a reason for us to sink in the shadows, we should use these differences for us to shine as an opportunity.
In the same way, you being there, everyone is an opportunity to grow influence. You’ll never know who among these people can be the catalyst for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll never know who can connect you to who. Each acquaintance is an investment of infinite potential.
Use your differences as an excuse to shine instead of hide.
You could be the person who will cut the mutual friends between one person and another to just 3 or 2 (instead of the maximum 12). Someone else could be the person to do this for you.
In the age of internet connectivity, we have no excuse to avoid making lasting connections with people we just met. A simple follow on Instagram can last for a lifetime. A simple friend request on Facebook can introduce someone to their romantic soulmate.
There is nothing to lose by not taking that step to ask for someone’s socials. Gone are the days where asking for someone’s phone number was the only thing we could do to make a connection.
Take that step.
This was written in response to me joining the 8th Young Leaders Camp of the South Manila Educational Consortium.
Gab With Tie 
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