To Elle:

I don’t consider you my childhood best friend. It’s such a common phrase, but I have no relation to it. Because, while you did define my childhood, you still define my life every single day. I simply have no words for what you are to me. The way I know you and perceive you is beyond language. You’re my best friend, and you always have been, and I still feel giddy when you call me yours. I’m annoying, and you deal with it. I don’t deserve a best friend as wonderful as you, and the eternal gratitude for that embeds itself into my life all the time.

To Evelyn:

I don’t know how to say this without sounding unbelievably odd, but you’re my Roman Empire. I’ll be sitting in class or going to skating, and I’ll wonder what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, or if you’re thinking about the same things as me. Meeting you may have been the single most impactful thing that came out of last year. There must be some fabric of our souls that’s the same or some nerve paths in our brains that took the same route. I wish you knew that you are all I want to be; you read classic books, you know more about Frida Kahlo than anyone, and your writing makes me strive to have half the mind you do. Thank you for being the one who always understands. Always. I’m grateful for your words and for your mind, I’m grateful for all the times you’ve known my innermost thoughts with just a glance, and I’m grateful for you.

To Alyssa:

You’re the favorite notification that pops up on my phone; the time 11:11 and you will forever be entwined in my mind. I cannot believe we’ve gone from running around the rink while Caitlin and Emily skated to me throwing up in the back of your dad’s car to FaceTiming for hours on end. I don’t even want to go to skating when you’re not there, and if you quit, I probably would too. Thank you for more memories than I could ever count or even fathom.

To Kk:

Nothing will ever explain the love I have for you. The only times you’ve made me cry are the times I’ve burst into tears looking at how cute you are. I show everyone pictures of you, and if they say you’re adorable without the right amount of passion, I will unfriend them. I love when you melt into me as we cuddle, and I love when you flop onto my arm and give me an excuse to stay still, frozen in my bed. You’re the best bunny in the entire world; thank you times a million.

To Ellerie:

You are sitting one person away from me right now, as I write this on the hallway floor. I’m grateful for you and your spirit all year round. I get to see you four times a day, and each time I walk away thinking of all that there is to love about you. You’re the sweetest person I know, and countless others can say the same. Your kindness touches everyone you talk to. I’m endlessly thankful for all that you are and all that you give.

To Addie:

You are constantly in my life, and I’m so thankful for that. From sixth grade, to middle school band, to TCT, to our ceiling tile, to Project Charlie, you’re there. I’m sorry that I lost us that one Fortnite duos match by jumping off of a cliff; I will always blame your lack of communication but I’m still sorry. Thank you for walking into football games with me. Thank you for editing, and thank you for being someone I can go to with anything. Thank you for remembering all of the shenanigans from seventh and eighth grade; you are there when my own memory fails. None of the activities we partake in would be the same without you.

To Victoria:

You are the only thing that makes lunch bearable. I wish I had more classes with you; your presence is comforting, and I love each time I get to latch onto your arm while you walk to class after lunch. I love losing to you at Just Dance, and I love your college sweatshirts, no matter how much they’re joked about. I love you, and thank you for everything that you are to me. 

To TCT:

No words will ever describe the gratitude I have for this class. I still cannot believe that writing “Writing for Publication” on my schedule before freshman year has led to this. This class has given me my passion for writing, a home within this school’s walls, and a lifetime of memories even though it’s only been a year. Thank you, Mr. George, for caring. You care so deeply about each and every student who comes into your room, and every single one of them appreciates you for it. Thank you to the editors, Addy, Eva, and Sofia, for running this class. All of your hard work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you to every person in room 139 at the end of the day; your talent and kindness always astonish me.