Hey there, awesome young readers! How many friends do you have? One, two, three, or more than four? Or are you part of a cool gang with around 10 or 12 kids, just like those awesome K-pop groups? No matter the size of your squad, having friends is like having your very own superhero team!

Each friend in your gang brings a unique superpower to the group — some may be obedient and reliable like Captain America, while others are natural leaders like Wonder Woman. You might even have a mischievous one among you who adds a bit of fun like the Joker! Agree? With so many different personalities, you have a friendship squad that’s dynamic and full of wonders!

Sure, just like any superhero team, there might be times when you disagree or face challenges. But that’s where your superpower of understanding and communication comes into play! ‘Superfriends’ know how to listen to each other, respect different opinions and work together to find solutions.

One of the best things about your friendship is the way you guys catch up with each other. Maybe you have a secret hideout or a secret chat group where you share funny memes and inside jokes. And when you come to gather, it’s like the Avengers assembling or forming the Justice League, don’t you think so? And guess what? That’s what makes your friendship squad so unique and special!

Speaking of friendship, did you know that July 30 is the International Day of Friendship, as proclaimed by the UN General Assembly? To celebrate this special occasion, let’s take a thrilling ride into the marvellous world of your friends, where we’ll uncover their inner superhero personalities and discover the incredible traits they bring to your friendship squad!

The kind and compassionate guardian

Meet the real-life superhero with a heart of gold, much like Superman or Supergirl. This friend is the caretaker of the group, always looking out for others and lending a helping hand. Their superpower is empathy, as they can feel what others are going through and offer comfort and support during tough times. Just like Superman, they are the epitome of strength and support, ready to stand by their friends through thick and thin.

However, like every human being, even superheroes have their weaknesses. Sometimes, this friend may put others’ needs before their own, forgetting to take care of themselves. So, if you have a Superman or a Supergirl in your group, remind them to take a break and recharge their own superpowers!

The fearless leader

In every squad, there’s a natural-born leader, just like Batman or Batgirl. This friend inspires and guides the group, making sure everyone is working together like a team of superheroes on a thrilling mission to save the day. Their superpower is confidence, and they are always ready to take charge of any situation, just like Batman’s unwavering determination.

However, being a leader can be challenging. Sometimes, they might come across as bossy or their strong opinions can clash with others, resembling Batgirl’s occasional headstrong nature. Encourage open communication within your squad to ensure everyone’s voices are heard and no one is left unnoticed!

The wise leader

But there’s also a natural-born leader who displays the strength and wisdom of Wonder Woman! This remarkable friend steps up to inspire and guide the group, infusing the squad with the unyielding spirit of the Amazonian princess.

Much like Wonder Woman, this friend also leads with compassion and fairness, making sure everyone’s voice is heard and valued. They possess a deep understanding of each member’s strengths in the squad, just like how Wonder Woman knows her fellow Amazons’ unique abilities. Remember?

With the presence of this awe-inspiring friend, the squad becomes an unstoppable force of unity. This friend empowers her fellows and uplifts and supports every member, helping them unlock their true potential.

The jovial joker

Let’s not forget the heart of the squad, the prankster friend who brings laughter and sunshine to each day, just like Spider-Man or The Flash. Their sense of humour is contagious, and they can turn even the dullest day into an adventure with their witty banter and playful tricks.

However, with great humour comes great responsibility! This type of friends can take their jokes a bit too far at times and accidentally hurt someone’s feelings, mirroring The Flash’s tendency to rush into things without thinking. Remind them that laughter is a superpower, but kindness and empathy are even more important!

The wizard of wisdom

Every squad has a genius friend or friends, just like Green Lantern or Iron Man. Their superpower is intelligence, and they can solve problems with their sharp mind, just like Green Lantern’s vast knowledge.

But being a brainiac can have its challenges too. They might unintentionally make others feel inferior, much like Iron Man’s arrogance. Encourage them to use their intelligence to help and uplift others, rather than overpower them with facts and their never-ending knowledge!

The bold and adventurous explorer

And then comes the thrill-seeker friend, always looking for exciting new experiences like The Flash or Spider-Man. Their superpower is fearlessness, and they encourage the squad to step out of their comfort zones and embrace thrilling adventures.

Adventure awaits, but sometimes they might take unnecessary risks, leading to some sticky situations, much like Spider-Man’s occasional impulsive behaviour. Remind them that calculated risks are more heroic and safer for everyone!

The loyal and protective guardian

Meet the friend who is always ready to defend and protect the squad, just like Poison Ivy or Black Panther. Their superpower is loyalty, and they stand by their friends through thick and thin, much like Black Panther’s unwavering loyalty to Wakanda.

But being a protector can have its downsides too. They may become overprotective and come across as controlling, resembling Poison Ivy’s intense protectiveness of nature. So, when you notice, things going out of control, jump in and encourage them to trust their friends and give them space to grow and learn.

The Hulk within!

Hold on tight, because in the spectacular world of friendship, there’s a friend who’s just like the Hulk! You heard it right, this friend is packed with Hulk-like strength and resilience that’s sure to leave you in awe!

When the going gets tough, this friend unleashes into their inner Hulk, flexing their emotional muscles like a true superhero. They won’t back down, and their mighty determination keeps the squad standing tall, just like the Hulk smashing through walls!

But don’t be scared of their strength, because beneath that mighty exterior lies a heart as soft as a teddy bear. They care for each one of you with Hulk-sized affection, ready to listen and support you through thick and thin.

Whenever the squad faces challenges, this friend transforms into a mighty guiding force. No obstacle is too big, and no problem is too daunting for this superhero friend, who’ll make sure you all come out victorious!

The spooky, fun friend in your squad!

Get ready to meet the friend in your squad who’s just like Venom — the super cool symbiote with a twist of spookiness and fun! Just like Venom merges with its host, this friend merges with your squad, forming a bond that’s tighter than Spidey’s web!

But don’t worry, this Venom-like pal isn’t here to scare you away! They’ve got a heart as big as Venom’s appetite for villains, and they fiercely protect the squad like a loyal sidekick. With their Venom-like loyalty, they’re the squad’s guardian, ready to stand up against any bully or bogeyman.

Watch out, because when this friend unleashes their Venom-like humour, laughter fills the room and literally the eerie fun begins! They’ve got a hilarious wit that’s bound to crack you up, just like Venom’s cheeky sense of humour.

And just like Venom’s spooky secrets, this friend will be the keeper of your squad’s inside jokes and special memories.

The peaceful Zen-healer

We all need this friend, watch out if you have one among you. This friend has the calming presence of Doctor Strange or Jean Grey. Their superpower is the ability to bring peace and harmony to the squad, just like Doctor Strange’s wise and serene demeanour.

But sometimes, they might avoid confrontation, leading to unresolved issues within the group, similar to Doctor Strange’s internal struggles. Remind the friend that addressing conflicts is essential for maintaining a strong and healthy friendship!

So young friends, as we navigate life together, our friendship squads are like an unbeatable alliance of superheroes, supporting and empowering each other every step of the way. All you need is to discover the extraordinary superpowers that reside within each one of you! You might not have the ability to fly like Superman or run at the speed of light like The Flash, and you may not possess Wonder Woman’s mythical weapons. But the truth is your real superpowers lie within, making you all truly remarkable and unique!

Each one of you is a unique gem, and together, you form a treasure trove of friendship that shines brightly in the universe. It’s not about having the same superpowers as famous superheroes, it’s about embracing the incredible traits that make you who you are and celebrating the diversity within your squad.

So, remember, young superheroes, your real powers lie within your hearts and souls. Your friendship, filled with love, kindness and laughter, is the most potent force of all. Embrace the uniqueness of each member in your squad and cherish the magic of your bond, for together, you are truly amazing!

Friendship power, activate!

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 29th, 2023