Throughout life, there are many questions that have popped up that have yet to be answered. How was the universe created? Why does it exist? What is the purpose of life? Is there such thing as a god? But there is one question on kids’ minds, and that is: which is more important in life: education or friends?

Marc Genwright, a counselor at North Atlanta High School, believes that education is the most important when trying to get into a good university. However, he also believes that what you love to do should be the most important thing when trying to get a job. “No matter what, your passion should be more important than the money,” said Genwright.

Sophomore Libby Evans believes that friends are more important than education. She thinks that moral support and what you love to do are the most important things when it comes to life and living it in the most enjoyable way possible. “Friends are way more important and way better than education,” said Evans. “There’s nothing like the feeling of someone being there for you, and there never will be.”

Journalism teacher Jack Stenger believes in a life of balance between the two. He thinks that you should focus more on education when trying to attend a university, since better grades will get you into a better university. Then, when you’re in a university, you should try to lead a balanced life; that’s the time to make lifelong friends and have a girlfriend. He also thinks money shouldn’t dictate how you live your life. “You should be able to have friends that allow you to maximize your talents,” said Stenger.

Another believer in that philosophy is mathematics teacher Hemal Patel. He believes that you should be balanced, but leans a bit more on the education side. “Education is what sticks with you. Sure, friends may provide you moral support, but you should be able to get that from your family,” said Patel.

So, whether one chooses to have better friends or a better education, one thing is for certain; it is not impossible to have both. One must lead a balanced life if they want to have a good one. As British billionaire Philip Green once said, “It’s all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends and family.”