Most people hate Mondays, as they signify the end of relaxing weekends and the beginning of cringeworthy school weeks. I, on the other hand, love Mondays, as they allow me to go into each week a little more optimistic.

Every Monday throughout high school, I’ve participated in a church program called Circle of Friends (COF). In this group, I am partnered with a teenager with special needs, and every Monday night we meet with the rest of the program to do exciting activities.

I still remember showing up to my first night of COF a little more than two years ago and feeling nervous about if I would be able to connect with someone who might be very different from me. My partner might have come from a very different walk of life and have unique experiences from me.

After a few Mondays with my partner, I realized I had nothing to worry about. Despite having differences, my partner and I actually had a lot in common and were able to cultivate a strong and meaningful relationship over our two years together.

Mondays with my partner became a highlight of my week, and something I looked forward to no matter what. My partner’s nonstop jokes and sense of humor never failed to make me smile even after the worst of days. After a night at COF every week, I found myself entering the rest of the week with a newfound sense of motivation and positivity.

When the program began again at the beginning of October, I felt a familiar sense of anxiousness. My previous partner graduated from high school. I’d be meeting a new partner — I’d have to start cultivating a relationship all over again.

As I hoped, it took just minutes at the beginning of our first meeting for me to realize my partner and I would get along well. Her sweet personality and laughter make my Monday nights worthwhile.

Besides building meaningful relationships, COF has taught me to never write off a person before getting to know them.

We all have our struggles and we’re all different from each other, but our differences should be something to celebrate and our similarities something to bond over.

A meaningful friendship could be waiting with the person you least expect. You might have more in common with someone than you think. We must only have the open mind to see the opportunity, and the courage to take it.