From Virtual Classmates to Best Friends

November 6, 2024

Amelia and Shoshana, two middle school students, have become best friends through their shared experiences at PA Cyber, a public online charter school. Today they take three virtual classes together and meet up outside of school regularly. Their friendship grew naturally, beginning with taking the same social studies class. The following year, they recognized each other in math class. Amelia decided to take the initiative to reach out via email. The next thing they knew, they were playing Roblox together!

They met in person for the first time last year at the Allentown Regional office’s annual kick-off event, where they enjoyed face painting and running into Archie, PA Cyber’s mascot. Now they see each other in weekly karate classes, have sleepovers, and celebrate each other’s birthday. They’ve gone on school field trips to Dorney Park and the Da Vinci Science Center, and they’ve met up at the regional office for ArtReach classes and family bingo nights.

Shoshana described their shared energy and enthusiasm as “chaotic,” while Amelia noted their mutual love for pets.

While they like the convenience of attending middle school online, they both have experienced challenges with making new friends while in cyber school. Sometimes, they vibe with a classmate only to discover that they live in a different part of Pennsylvania.

“As moms, that’s the reason we were really happy that the girls were able to meet and get along and click as friends,” says Claudia, Shoshana’s mother. “Jen [Amelia’s mother] and I say sometimes, all we hear is giggles and laughs. That makes us happy.” She explained that both families have gotten to know each other well.

Shoshana shares just how special her friendship with Amelia is to her: “Our friendship—this is honestly one of the first friends that is actually real to me because in school, sometimes I'll make friends that last for the school year, maybe a little bit of the summer break, and after that, they just go away. Me and Amelia connected a bit more. We see each other a lot now. We have fun together, and it’s, well, it’s just nice for me to finally have a friend.”

Ultimately, Amelia and Shoshana's story demonstrates how online schooling can foster meaningful relationships. PA Cyber’s regional offices and field trips provide students with many opportunities to meet peers from nearby towns. And never underestimate the power of an email or a phone call to begin a friendship—whether they’re near or far.