by SCARLET KIM
If anyone was to ask sophomore Charlie Landsberg the first person he’d call in a pinch, his immediate answer would be his mother. But his best friend, fellow sophomore Nikko Nickerson, comes in a strong second place.
Spanning two schools and seven years, Landsberg and Nickerson have solidified a truly one-of-a-kind bond.
Not every friendship is beautiful from the start. “I was in fourth grade at Rolling Hills Country Day School,” explained Nickerson. “I see this scrawny little new kid, Charlie. I go over to him and say, ‘I don’t like you very much, Charlie.’” The distaste was mutual—energetic, straightforward Nickerson at first intimidating the shy new student, Landsberg.
Ultimately, unforeseen circumstances and Nickerson’s strong, blunt personality left the two with no choice but to bond. “In fifth grade, the person who I was friends with went away,” Nickerson said.
“I went to Charlie and told him he was my best friend. And he, being the little boy he was, said, ‘OK.’”
Landsberg and Nickerson’s bond was tested yet again when it came time for their transition to Chadwick. Both applied and were accepted for sixth grade, but didn’t tell each other until the first day of school. Both boys’ parents told them not to bring it up in fear that the other wouldn’t get in.
Only pure happiness could describe what the two felt as they first saw each other at sixth-grade orientation.
“It was one of the top-five happiest moments of my life,” Nickerson said. “I was scared, because I had already been to two different schools, and I didn’t want to have to start all over again. Then I saw Charlie, and I realized everything would be OK because we would stick together … and we always have.”
At Chadwick, sixth grade is known as a time for young students to grow as global citizens, students and friends. This stood true for Landsberg and Nickerson–the 2018-2019 school year witnessed the bloom of their bond.
Once intimidated by Nickerson’s charisma, Landsberg now believes it is one of his friend’s most admirable traits. “Nikko gives me skills and courage; he makes me braver and he gives me the energy to get through the day. Every time I see him, I always feel 30% better.
“He’s got a personality that nobody at the school even comes close to matching,” Landsberg said. “I think 80% of kids at Chadwick have some idea of who Nikko Nickerson is.”
Sophomore Jack Malone has witnessed Landsberg and Nickerson’s bond firsthand. “Nikko and Charlie, they’re a pair. They’re like peanut butter and jelly,” Malone said. “Nikko is the jelly; he’s more of an in-your-face kind of guy. Charlie holds him down.
“It’s not cool to just do a jelly sandwich. A jelly sandwich is hilarious, but it’s not nutritious.”
The sophomores’ “bromance” is well-known across grade levels. Senior Grace Mangali, who runs cross country and track with Landsberg and Nickerson, expresses great admiration for their relationship in the face of hardship.
Despite the stresses of high school and outside relationships, the two remain committed to their bro-mantic relationship. Mangali assures that romantic pursuits do not disrupt the friendship: “That’s never been a problem before.”
Both Landsberg and Nickerson want others in their community to experience a fulfilling friendship such as theirs. Their advice to all “Landskerson” fans is simple: “Sometimes space is necessary. Not every conversation has to be super-moving or super-important. To be able to have fun with somebody is the first step.
“That’s what makes a friend worth keeping.”
Added Malone: “If Charlie and Nikko were to stop being friends, I think the core of the Earth would spontaneously explode, killing all of us. The universe would collapse on itself.”
The Mainsheet 