Thank you to my OG table:

Thank you, Katty. Thank you for the Chex mix and personalized water bottle and shoes. I can see and feel the time and effort you put into our friendship. I can only dream of being as good a friend as you are to me. Thank you for putting up with me no matter what weird stuff I do. You’re always my hype girl, and listen when I vent. I’m so thankful for the time I’ve had with you so far, and I can’t wait to see how our friendship grows. I don’t think it was luck that day I sat with you at lunch. I’d like to think God had a hand in it. Picking you for me. We clicked right away; you’re more than a friend. You’re my therapist, cheerleader, and guide. Your humor, your sarcasm, your kindness, you’re everything I want to be. I know I can be a lot, but you never make me feel bad. Thank you for not judging me when I say things like “Slay, pop, and queen.” I treasure our friendship so much, even if our high-five fistbump combo clashes. Thank you for giving me your friendship. And all the things that come with it.

Thank you, Abby. Thank you for taking me in. Thank you for my daily juice boxes and for defending me from flying butter. As someone who loves their food, I can’t imagine giving up a beloved juice box. So thank you for that. Thank you for making me laugh, smile, and feel all around better. I don’t think I could ever feel sad around you, even if I tried. I know we never see each other anymore, but any time I do, I find myself beaming the rest of the day thinking of you. I call it my Abby buzz, and you’ve got me addicted.  You’ve never made me feel bad about myself; if anything, you make me feel so much better. I know I can be myself around you, and that’s saying something. You’re funny and sweet; you make everyone smile. Abby, I am so, so grateful for the time I’ve had with you. I cannot wait to see where our friendship takes us. 

Thank you, Annaliese. You showed up a little late, but that’s ok. You definitely made up for that in many ways. I cannot imagine that lunch table without you. You are one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. You make me smile and always feel better, even if I don’t think It’s possible. FCA would be horribly boring without you, so thank you for that. I can tell you things without fear of being judged. I can be myself around you. Thank you for everything and for the time that you’ve given me. 

To my personal cheer squad: 

Thank you, God, for Lily. If the sun ever ran out of light, you’d be my personal sunlight. I can only dream of having your confidence, energy, kindness, and optimism. I am so thankful to have you in my life. I can tell you anything. You hype me up like no other; I don’t think I’d survive without our morning loops around the school. Even when I merely think of you, a smile comes to my face. Thank you for our mall trips, last-minute adventures, girl talks, and laughs. You’re one of my go-to girlies. I feel like I’ve known you forever; the highlight of middle school choir has to have been meeting you. I can feel it deep in my heart, that we were meant to be friends. And no matter how much time passes, it will always and forever be you and me. Your style always eats, our photoshoots slay, and your hair is always styled in the most perfect way. Thank you for your friendship; I cannot put into words how much you mean to me. Thank you, and thank you times infinity. 

Caroline, don’t think I forgot you. You just appeared one day and fit right in. And that makes sense, you’re the perfect fit. I can no longer remember how our group was without you. You’re so sweet, kind, and funny. And definitely talented! Every time I see whatever you painted, I have to double-check it’s not a picture. Thank you so much for joining our group, and trusting that we’re not weird. 

To the stars in my sky:

The universe is a beautiful thing. But what really makes it glow is the stars. So many of them shine brilliantly, forcing the sky to shine deep in the night. My universe gained its beauty from its stars. And so many people are my stars, and I’m grateful for every last one.

Aubrey Hibma. You are one of the brightest stars in my life. My first day walking into math was something that I had not looked forward to. But seeing you there, and every day since, has made it one of the highlights of my day. Even when I think that the storm cloud over my head won’t go away, you brush it away with one smile. We click so much; I feel like I’ve known you forever. Your music eats, and so do all your outfits. Whenever I study, it’s your playlist pulsing through my ears. Thank you for that. I’m so grateful I’ve met you. And thank you so much for being my friend. 

Kellan, I can no longer imagine TCT without you. I think you’re one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I realize I can be a little loud, so thank you for putting up with me. Thank you for our hallway writing and mid-class chats. I don’t think TCT would be the same without your smile and banter. Thank you for being someone I consider a friend.

Zoe, Ren, Teagan, and Mira, thank you for making US History so much better than what it would have been without you. Whenever someone makes a questionable comment, I now have people to exchange concerned glances with; thank you for that. Thank you for partnering up with me, and taking me in. I realize I can be loud, so thank you for not running away. And finally, thank you for making history something I can look forward to.

Zoe, don’t think I forgot about our TCT chats. I love hearing you laugh in the hallway, and blast your questionable music. Thank you for making me laugh and smile. TCT would not be the same without you. Thank you for giving our TCT group a chance. 

Ellie Stone, yes, you are not in my grade, but here you are. Thank you for making Spanish something fun. Thank you for making me laugh, making me feel better about myself, and giving me the best advice. I know I haven’t known you for too long, but I think we really vibe. Thank you for reminding me about the homework I haven’t done, and helping me finish it. In summary, thank you for being there. 

Kylie and Rosa, thank you for making all those football games hype! You two are the perfect pieces for our football viewing team. Thank you for being there and making me laugh; you two are so sweet. Thank you for being the best.

Avery, thank you for being my friend. Thank you for the sips of your Starbucks drinks and super thoughtful gifts. Every day you walk into English class, I catch myself smiling. Your constant hype and compliments make my confidence burst. Your smile and laugh are all things I need in my life; thank you for giving me that. Thank you, thank you, and thank you for being my friend.

Hayeon, thank you so much for being my Cayenne pepper. Thank you for sticking with me even when my tennis skills were not eating. Thank you for making me laugh and matching the vibe so perfectly! Thank you for practicing tennis with me, and for being the perfect tennis partner. Your smile is so sweet, your hair always eats, and your outfits slay. Thank you for being my friend through the ups and downs. You’ll always be my Cayenne pepper.

Thank you to my team:

Thank you to my tennis team. I was so scared I wasn’t going to make the cut. And when I did, I knew I wasn’t ranked too high. Yet everyone there was so sweet. You all hyped me up and gave me the confidence boost I needed. I cannot name a single person on that team I didn’t like. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make so many new friends. I know it’s not one hundred percent that I’ll make the team this coming year. As much as I hope and pray that I do, I know I have your friendship no matter what I do.

Thank you to the original cast of my life:

Yeah, I know, I’m not supposed to show affection towards my siblings. But I guess I can make an exception if I don’t let you know I’m writing this.

Let’s start with the first one of the group, Jacob. Jacob, I’ll only let you read this because I believe you’re old and mature enough not to use this as ammunition. One of my fondest memories with you was playing “Teddy Bear.” You made me feel so special, so perfectly chosen. You’d never let anyone else play with you, just me. We’d roll on the floor, and I’d giggle and laugh. Thank you for giving me so much of your time and attention. I realize our age gap can make things challenging. Yet you’re also so easy to talk to, and the attention you put into our relationship is apparent. I want you to know that I look up to you. You are selfless, kind, and smart. The things you’ve accomplished are awe-inspiring. I aspire to have the same relationship with God that you have. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, the connection between us you’ve given me to cherish, and for being such a good brother in all things.

Next, the middle child. Smack dab in the middle lies Hailey. You’ve created one of my favorite things. Something no other sibling has given me the way you have, “Sibling dates.” Thank you for the time and effort you put into us. Maybe it’s just because we are the only girls or because we’ve shared a room for so much of our life, but we’ve always shared a special bond. A “sister bond,” as one might call it. Thank you for opening my ears to so many new songs (even if by force). Thank you for blasting music whenever you drive me and taking me with you on your frantic adventures. You’re funny, beautiful, sarcastic, and kind. Thank you for being my hype girl and vent. Thank you for being my sister.

Last but not least. The closest of the three: Ben. Thank you for always being there. I realize it’s annoying to share everything. Birthdays, graduations, milestones. Thank you for putting up with that. But I guess that’s what you get when being a twin. But it’s not all downsides. You’ve taught me that. Everything I go through, I go through with you. Our slumber parties in elementary school were the highlight of my day. Our long chats only reassured me I could tell you anything. Thank you for making me laugh, getting me snacks, and supporting me in every way. You’re the main OG. We didn’t share a room, but we shared a womb. You’re funny, kind, smart, and always make my day. Thank you for being the best twin I could ever ask for.

Thank you to my guiding stars.

Thank you to my parents. You’ve literally always been there. You’ve put a roof over my head, fed me, and provided for me. Not only that, but you’ve comforted me and gave me advice. 

Mom, you stayed home for so long to give us your undivided attention. Thank you for that. Thank you for reading “Harry Potter” to me and cooking delicious meals for us every night. Thank you for your love, your attention, your time. Thank you, thank you, and thank you once more for being my mom.

Dad, thank you for being the best dad ever. Thank you for watching the weirdest shows and movies with me. Thank you for checking in every day to see if I want to do anything. Thank you for your motorcycle rides, “crazy drive,” and Sunday brunch. Thank you for your attention, love, and advice as I navigate life. Thank you times infinity for being my dad.

Everything, Everyone, Everywhere.

I’m sorry if you didn’t find your name here. But my whole life hasn’t been shaped by the few names written above this. I’ve been changed by everything, everyone, and everywhere I’ve been. It’s not that you aren’t important enough, I know you are. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. So, to everything, everyone, and everywhere, thank you for being in my life.