TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2021: Arpita Das

To my sister, Akansha Das – for being the best sister ever 

Through thick and thin, you have always been there for me whenever I need you. From helping me with my homework to being my personal chauffeur everywhere, you have never failed to put a smile on my face. Despite your annoying habit of leaving your dirty dishes in the sink, I am so lucky to have you as an older sister. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I can only hope that I can become half as amazing as you when I grow up and graduate high school. 

Mom and Dad – for being such supportive parents

Dad, I admire how optimistic you are, never failing to find a solution to any problem life throws at you. Your laugh constantly reminds me to not take life too seriously because living is all about balance. Mom, everyday you inspire me to become a better version of myself. You provide a perfect example of hard work. Though sometimes it can be an unhealthy addiction of yours, you are a constant reminder that your physical and mental health are of equal importance to lead a successful life. 

To my grandma – who never fails to make me feel special 

Thank you for always making such nourishing food to fuel my soul. Thank you for saying “God bless you, God help you” every time I walk out the door at 7:30 in the morning as I leave for school every day. You have been there for me since day one. I can only hope that I can become as wise as you one day. 

Alexandria Smith – for simply existing 

I never would have imagined on the first day of school that the girl sitting next to me in a circle during sixth hour would eventually become one of my best friends. Alex, thank you for always being willing to engage in conversation with me and yelling out “FX” at the beginning of the hour making Mr. George annoyed and crack a smile. Despite the endless times I’ve pestered you about economics, our friendship continues. I am forever grateful for the close bond we share. I will always enjoy hearing stories about your family and rowing. 

Lauren Brace – for simply existing 

When I first signed up for Writing For Publication, never in a million years would I have thought that I would have been introduced to someone as kind and wise as you. Lauren, I admire your writing style. I cherish reading your stories and am so grateful to have you in my life. You are someone that I can always talk to because of the great advice you give. I am so lucky that I get to share my last hour of the day with you. 

Mr. George – for always making WFP fun

There has never been a day in the sixth hour where I didn’t feel welcome, and I have to thank you for that, Mr. George. Thank you for always being so inclusive and interacting with everyone during class. I always appreciate the times you ask me about my day when I walk through the door. Your honesty with the class always breaks up any tension in the room. I feel like the community you’ve built is really uplifting and supportive. 

Mr. Riley – for being my teacher when I was a fully virtual student

Thank you for being my teacher for both civics and economics throughout the course of my freshman year. I really enjoyed learning about economics, and after learning about the course, I am now interested in further educating myself in careers related to the business field. 

Mrs. Stone – for being my first hour of the day 

Thank you for being my physics teacher for this semester. I always enjoy all the labs and practice worksheets that we do in class. Fortunately, math has always been a strong subject for me and is part of the reason why I like learning about all the equations we use in physics and applying them to real-life situations.

Mrs. Velie – for always playing music in the classroom

Thank you for being my English teacher this year. You are always willing to help me when I am struggling, and I admire your good taste. Although I am not the strongest when it comes to Membean, I am grateful that we do it because it has helped expand my knowledge on new words.

Mrs. Heinz – for always challenging me 

Thank you for being my Algebra 2 teacher for this year. Although math is tough, I am glad I can take this class a year earlier than most high school students. Every day, I am constantly expanding my mind and learning new concepts of math in ways that I could never think possible.

Mrs. Vanhouten – for helping me learn a new language

Thank you, Mrs. Vanhouten, for being my French teacher this year. At the beginning of the year, I was hesitant on taking French 3 when I hadn’t taken French 2 but am glad that I went through with the decision because I am constantly learning something new every day and always enjoy learning about the amazing country we know as France.

Mr. Labenz – for always making class entertaining

Thank you for being my APUSH teacher for this year. Although the workload for this class is a lot, I am glad I made the decision to take this class. I have learned a lot over the course of the past couple of months and have even grown an appreciation for writing SAQ’s, despite how long it takes to write them.

Peyton Ludwig –

Thank you for dealing with me for 3 hours of the school day every day, I am so glad I get to have French 3 with you every day and envy your ability to speak fluently in French!

Berkleigh Blackport – for always helping me in APUSH 

Thank you for always helping me in APUSH, whether it’s over a homework question or studying for a test, you are always there for me. I admire your open ward honesty towards everyone and hope that one day I can become as smart as you are.

Sarah Hughes – for being my lunch buddy

Thank you, Sarah, for choosing to have lunch with me every day. I am so lucky that I get to share my first lunch with you every day, and I don’t know what I would do if I had to sit alone. Your silly stories always make my day, and I always love hearing about all the funny experiences you face in your life.

Sofia Hargis-Acevedo – for being the best editor

Thank you for randomly being paired to be my first editor and proofreading all my stories. Your commentary on my writing has truly helped me grow as a writer. I appreciate you reading every one of my stories and even helping me edit my first story to go on The Central Trend! 

The Central Trend and Writing For Publication 

Thank you to The Central Trend and Writing for Publication for being the most welcoming community ever. From the first day of entering room 139, I did not know what I was getting myself into. A couple of months into the class, I am glad that I made the decision to take it. I have finally found where I belong and feel heard. The community we’ve created radiates such positivity as it continues to encourage others. It lends a helping hand so that all of us can thrive together!