As they walk down the hallway during lunch, the smell of chicken sandwiches fills their noses, increasing their struggle to keep their promise.

“Lent is a time of sacrifice and meditation,” junior Lily Arenivar said. “A time where you really think about what Christ went through in those 40 days.”

Arenivar and junior Alyssa Barron have decided to give up meat for Lent, a 40-day period in which Catholics sacrifice something for Jesus.

“We get to see how much of a struggle he went through because for me, not eating meat on Fridays is terrible and to not eat any for 40 days just blows my mind,” Barron said.

Throughout this period, the two work together to abstain from the food.

“We remind each other all the time,” Arenivar said. “Sometimes, we want to pray together before lunch or do things together that keeps us going because it’s a sacrifice, but it’s easier when we support each other.”

Barron said having a friend who holds her accountable is a big help.

“Lily’s become that little voice of reason ringing in my head,” she said. “She helps me see the better side of things. When I feel like I’m down or that I can’t keep going, she’s always there by my side.”

This experience has only brought the girls closer, Barron said.

“We realized we share the same feelings toward Lent and our religion, so we were able to bond over that,” she said.

Junior Raven Hightower said it is evident how well Arenivar and Barron work together.

“They really build each other up, when the other one is down,” she said. “They try to keep each other in check and remind each other what’s coming up at St. Joseph (their church).”

Hightower said the girls are very close.

“Their friendship is basically like a sistership,” she said.

Religion is a big part of their friendship, Hightower said.

“They’ve always been so strong in their religion,” she said. “They take it very seriously and make sure they take the steps necessary to get to where they want in their faith.”

Barron said that without Arenivar, her views would be different.

“Honestly, I don’t think I would be taking my religion as seriously if Lily wasn’t my friend because I wouldn’t have anybody to share it with and to ask questions,” she said.

Doing Lent alone would have been more challenging, Arenivar said.

“It would be harder because her support really helps,” she said. “It’s not something you get to share with a lot of people.”