The Power of Old Friendships: A Conversation with Dr. Nathan Jones

I had the incredible opportunity recently to reconnect with a dear longtime friend, Nate—who most know as Dr. Nathan Jones. Nate has had a fascinating journey as an educator and is well known in the education field, with a doctorate and ongoing work toward becoming a school administrator. But more than that, our conversation reminded me deeply about the value of lasting friendships and how connection sustains us through all of life’s ups and downs.

How It All Began: College Days and Early Adventures

Nate and I first met back in 1988 just after his church mission. We worked together in North Provo at a local convenience store named Fast Eddie’s. From those early days, our friendship blossomed with plenty of goofy moments, early morning meetups at Denny’s, and endless laughs with the same waitress week after week. It was the kind of friendship built on fun and shared experiences—the kind that forms those strong early bonds that last decades.

The True Value of Old Friends

One part of our talk really hit me: the idea that friendships lasting longer than 5 years have a special salve for our mental health. Old friends know parts of us that newer friends don’t, and reconnecting with those who have seen us through life’s seasons is profoundly healing. Nate and I went through a period of about 10 years without communication due to a falling out, and yet when I reached out to repair that relationship, he answered immediately. That experience showed me the power of humility, grace, and willingness to reset in sustaining relationships for the long haul.

From LA to Education

Nate’s path took him from Los Angeles, where he briefly pursued acting and comedy, to becoming a dedicated educator teaching screenwriting and English electives in Utah. His stories about working in Hollywood contrast vividly with those about inspiring students. We reflected on how passion and purpose drove him to teach and grow into the role of a mentor and leader. Like Nate, I didn’t finish college young — we both returned later in life, committed to our educations and careers.

Connection and Learning: Parallels in Education and Friendship

Our conversation explored fascinating parallels between learning and friendships. Research shows it takes about 200 hours to develop a close friendship—the same kind of time and commitment needed to truly learn and master something new. Both processes require patience, empathy, and engagement. Nate shared powerful insights from educational psychology, emphasizing how meeting students where they are and connecting curriculum to their interests transforms learning—just as meeting friends where they are deepens connection. This reminded me how building relationships and educating others share foundational principles.

Stories That Moved Me

Nate and I shared heartfelt memories, including throwing an "unbirthday party" for my cousin who was battling tumors, bringing laughter and light into a dark time. Hearing how much that meant to my family reinforced how even simple acts of connection can profoundly impact others. I also appreciated Nate’s honesty about struggles, growth, and the complexities of maintaining friendships rooted in passion, humility, and forgiveness.

Final Reflections

This conversation with Nate has reminded me how vital connection and friendship are—not only for fun but for deep emotional and mental well-being. It takes effort, grace, and sometimes difficult conversations to maintain these relationships, but the reward is priceless. I’m grateful for Nate's friendship and for the lessons he shared, and I hope this inspires you to invest in your own long-term connections.

Thank you for coming along on this reflection of friendship, education, and human connection.