My countless thanks go out to… 

Pop, for a life worth living

Each year, I struggle with writing this paragraph. It’s hard for me to articulate how all-encompassing my gratitude and love is for you, because more than anything, it’s a feeling. It’s the feeling I get when I hear the garage door close around 5:27 p.m. nearly every evening, and even if I’ve just had the worst day of my life, my heart lifts a bit. When we drive aimlessly around Wyoming and Comstock Park, looking for the next great phở and/or boba stop, rating the phở on terms of how fragrant the broth is and the tapioca on the texture, brown sugar robustness, and overall satisfaction. When you listen to me passionately declare my thoughts of the day and supply it with your own story of ordering backstock appliances and trying a sandwich from The Toasted Pickle. When we watch a movie at home, and you are passed out on your recliner chair 30 minutes in. I’m sorry that I sometimes don’t give my two cents when you tell me things—AP Stats and Bio stress me out to no end. I promise that wherever you go, I will be there. You are not as grumpy as Joel, and I am not as headstrong as Ellie, but I’d like to think that we are similar to both of them in the aspect of an unbreakable father-daughter relationship. I love you.

Lily — the Jo to my Amy (or is it the other way around?)

I actually don’t even know if you’ve ever seen Little Women (2019, of course), but I think you’d like this analogy. You as the ambitious, eldest daughter (although I am the writer), with me as the petty, passionate youngest sister. I can’t believe that next semester, you’ll be coming home on the weekends, ready to bicker with me about something obsolete. I phrased that as an annoyance, although in truth, I am glad that you will be home. It’s much preferable to not seeing you for months on end. I’m so proud of you for following your dream of becoming a Wolverine (and accomplishing it!), and I hope that I’ll be joining you next fall. I’m grateful for everything a sister could possibly be grateful for—advice, love, and arguments. I can’t wait for many more years of going to herbal tea shops with you.

Mommy, for finding love in one another again

I will not lie and say that our relationship hasn’t had its strains, but I’m grateful for our reconnection over the past year. Although I rarely see you, I’m happy in the knowledge that you are happier on your own down south, pursuing something new. When Lily and I visited you in August, you seemed much brighter, and that made me delighted beyond comparison. I’m grateful for your forgiveness and willingness to try again as a mom. I deeply enjoy being your daughter. Through FaceTime calls and spontaneous trips to the beach, we’ve started to feel like a family again, and I’ve rediscovered comfort in you. I hope you know that I wouldn’t be who I am today without you, and I love you. 

Grandma Rosie — my Dancing with the Stars aficionado

Seeing you immediately brightens my day. Whether it be at the movie theater, an art festival, or your new apartment, I always get excited when I spend time with you. I’m grateful for the comfort you provide in the form of People magazines, grilled cheeses, and just being a wonderful grandma. Chatting about the most recent DWTS episode always makes me smile, and most especially, our shared hope that Robert and Witney will win the Mirrorball. I’m so excited for the DWTS tour we’ll hopefully attend! Thank you for the cat toys (Zoey enjoys them very much) and for the love and care you’ve given me my entire life. My life would be incomplete without you. I love you so much. 

Ellie — my twin flame

I’m so grateful that we’ve become the type of friends who can not talk for ages and still be as close as ever. You are someone who feels like a sister to me; I can’t count the number of times you’ve come over to my house after school in between football games, choreography nights, and theater run-throughs. Some of the simplest moments with you are the best, from eating Culver’s takeout at my kitchen counter and laughing over a random story from that day, or silently studying over FaceTime in each other’s presence. We have six years of wonderful memories together, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I hope that when we’re in college, most likely far away from each other, we’ll send handwritten letters and visit one another, excited in the knowledge that we’ll be someone to each other for life. I can’t wait for the rest of my days with you!

Elle — fellow cinephiles forever!

I can’t exactly pinpoint when we first reconnected last year, but I think it had something to do with the right corner booth in the cafeteria and me not knowing anyone else in my lunch besides you. I’m grateful for this moment, as it has led to us having many spirited conversations about anything from consumerism to the most recent film we loved/hated/were indifferent to. Over the past year, I’ve cherished every moment with you, from walking around the MSU campus at MIPA (sorry, Mr. George) to the movies we have gone to see at either Celebration Cinema North or Wealthy Theatre. I have never met someone who understands my intricacies as you do; I feel like I rarely have to explain myself to you, which is refreshing. In school, I’m grateful for our collaborations in TCT and Film & Lit Club—I said this last year, and I’ll say it again: your first editing skills are immaculate. I’m so glad we’re both Editors-in-Chief and co-Presidents together. I hope you’d agree that we make a good team. I find your effort and passion for everything you do inspiring, and I hope to one day get to your level of personal style. (I will let you know if this ever happens.) In college, I believe we will both be successful English/journalism students, and I will send you pictures of recent events while you are most likely academic weaponing at Harvard. Thank you for everything—much love!

Monia, for Schuler’s study sessions and fangirling with me

I will be forever thankful that you broke the “fourth wall” and asked if I wanted to hang out with you last year. Of course, I said yes, and now, we’ve gone from intense conversations in Room 216 to seeing each other once-a-month-ish for study sessions, Culver’s/Panera dates, and carpooling to the Mud Room. I know your schedule is insanely busy (please drop a couple credits, I’m literally begging you), but I wish I saw you more often. I think we are the same in that we are both introverts, but once we get comfortable with people, our passions are unleashed. I will never tire of screaming with you over a new Laufey song and Pride and Prejudice edits, and also sharing our strong opinions on politics. Also, seeing Tate McRae with you was so incredibly fun. I couldn’t be more grateful for our friendship. You are a constant in my life, and I know I can always count on you for anything. I love you!

Evelyn — I Lauver You

I think our friendship can be defined by “Serendipity” from Bewitched. It’s New York, falling in love, yearning, and four-leaf clovers: all things that remind me of you. It has been my favorite Laufey song ever since I first heard it, and I just realized that it might be because I think of you every time I listen to it. I’m so grateful for you in a way that’s hard to explain, because you are the most love-filled person I’ve ever met, and you inspire me to become even more caring and passionate about life than I already am. Going to the Matter of Time Tour with you and Millie was one of the best nights of my life, and I’m so glad you were there to fangirl with me! Seeing “Let You Break My Heart Again” live with you was genuinely life-changing. I want you to know that I will always be there for you, and I cannot wait to visit you in New York City one day. You will always have a fragment of my heart.

Addie Woltil, for sending me edits and everything in between

When I think of you, I usually think of your water bottle that tastes like coffee when filled with water and us taking the ACT together—but most of all, I think of your ability to talk endlessly about the things and people you care about. (This is very positive.) I have never met anyone who can so freely express their ideas, and I admire you for that. I thank you for being one of my unwavering supporters and indulging in our shared delight for film. I love hearing about what movie you’ve recently crossed off the NYT 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century list and what recent Challengers edit made you excited (any chance it includes Mike Faist?) Also, thank you for recognizing my obsession with The Last of Us and Pride & Prejudice by sending me the best edits—I thoroughly enjoy them. I’m so thankful for the time we’ve spent together, and I believe that we are long overdue for a boba/phở/thrifting hangout. I appreciate you immensely.

Ella, for omnipresent love

Ella, I feel like you are someone I’ve known forever. I recently flipped through a little diary of mine I had in elementary school, and there was a lengthy entry about a birthday party we both attended at an ice rink. In extremely messy handwriting, I wrote, “We skated for an hour (Ella was sooo good).” It’s true—I’m in awe of your figure skating skills. (I still cannot comprehend how you do a double axel.) Besides your talent on the ice, I’m grateful for three lovely years spent together in TCT. I look back on our sophomore year selves fondly, and I can’t wait to make more memories with you in the remaining months of senior year. You are so funny and kind, and I adore our shared passions for La La Land and Marvel. I hope you find more love and life out on the East Coast in college, because you deserve it so much. I want you to know it is very easy to love you, and I’ll be wishing you all the best forever.

Ellerie — I couldn’t adore you more

I think you are the human embodiment of a sunray. Sunshine dapples tree leaves and creates beautiful murals in nature, and for some reason I can’t explain, that reminds me of you. Your perseverance and determination in all aspects of your life are amazing to witness, and I know you will go far. I’m grateful for your empathy and sweet kindness, even when you might not be having the best day. You care deeply for the people around you, and I’m lucky to be a part of that. You deserve everything good in this world and more. I love you so much. 

Addie McDowell, for sweetness unlike I’ve ever known

You are one of the kindest and genuine people I’ve ever met, and I’m so glad I have gotten to know you better this year. You express your love for the world with such comforting passion, and I’ve loved seeing your confidence grow in TCT and theater. At lunch, I enjoy sitting with you, even if we might not talk too much—your presence is one I don’t take for granted, and I feel comfortable alongside you. I hope you know that you are loved very dearly by everyone (including me), and I will always run upstairs to get your water bottle for you if need be. You will do incredible things in the future, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you. 

TCT: the community my heart belongs to

This class has always been my favorite, not only because of the development of my writing skills, but also because of the community. I can fully be myself in Room 216 and feel whatever I’m feeling, knowing that I’m welcomed as I am. I couldn’t be more grateful for the class that has practically defined my high school experience, and especially for the people who make it so imperfectly perfect. 

Micah, you are the most chalant person I know. I adore your extroverted personality and passion for Kinder Surprise Eggs. You did a marvelous job teaching WFP this year, and I’m so proud of you. In theater, I’m blown away by your performances, and I can’t wait to witness one more in the wings in March. Also, Micah, Ella, and Elle, I think we work so well together as Editors-in-Chief. We began this school year determined to set a new standard of excellence for TCT, and so far, we’ve done a pretty okay job. Each of us contributes something different to the table, and I’m grateful for our efficacy and investment in new ideas this year. Looking forward, I’m excited to tackle the rest of the year together. Kathryn, your effort does not go unnoticed. You are a beautiful writer and person, and I hope you know that you deserve a break from stress. I admire your dedication to everything you do so, so much. I’m grateful for the little moments we’ve had together this year, such as watching the Stranger Things Season 5 trailer on my phone. (I am so excited to talk about it with you after Thanksgiving break!) Also, I hope to see you in Ann Arbor one day. Addie W, Ellerie, and Evelyn, I am thankful for the positive energy you three bring to Room 216 each day. You all are magnificent writers and people, and I enjoy the time I spend with all of you tremendously. Addie M, I love your columns so much. Please never stop writing them. Nova, I am appreciative of your work ethic and opinionated stories, which always turn out so spectacular. I’m looking forward to working in the musical together this spring, and I’m grateful for any moment we spend together. (Thank you for getting me through AP Lang last year!) Cam, I am pained that you aren’t in sixth hour with the rest of us, but each month, I get excited for the end-of-month parties due to your attendance. You have such a magnetic personality and write wonderfully emotional stories, and I’m so glad you rejoined TCT this year. Also, I have so much fun whenever I see you on the dance floor at school events. Leah, you’ve truly blossomed into a stunning writer this year. Whenever I see that I’m editing one of your stories, I know I’m in for a treat. Your Bloom Nutrition stories are some of my favorites. You are a comforting presence in class, and I appreciate your warmth and dedication more than you know. Kylin, seeing you back on the class list this semester was so exciting. Your joyous energy was greatly missed, and meetings are much sunnier with you back. Your skill as a writer has not faded, and I’ve loved reading your stories recently. Thank you for your unwavering voice and compassion. Zoe, thank you for composing your columns with great passion. Sophia, I’m grateful to know you both in TCT and Film & Lit Club. Your personality gives Room 216 an aura of optimism, which is also expressed through your stories. Anytime I see a Sophia column, I know before reading that it will contain crazy good prose. Thank you for your enthusiasm during meetings and for being you. Brooke, you’re a natural writer. Your stories are crafted with care, and I appreciate that so much. I know the future is bright for you. And, to everyone in Writing for Publication, thank you all for choosing this class and putting genuine effort into your stories. I am exhilarated to see where you all go in TCT.

FHCVDT, for letting me become part of a team

When I received my dance team backpack with my name on it freshman year, I was so excited. For years, I’d longed to be part of a real team—go to practices, get team swag, and travel to competitions together. The past three-and-a-half years on VDT have been everything I wanted and more, but it hasn’t come without its challenges. We say every year that “the team has never been so bonded,” but in all honesty, I haven’t felt that phrase ring true until this year. Perhaps it’s because I’m finally growing out of my shell and welcoming new conversation, but I also genuinely think our team atmosphere has never been better. I’m so grateful to all of the girls who make dance team feel familial, and most especially, my fellow seniors. Lindsey, I say with utmost confidence that you have always been a friendly face. In our first year on the team, you were one of the few people I opened up to. I find your humor and passion diverting, as well as your blunt optimism. I appreciate your support and kindness more than you know, and I can’t wait to finish this year with you. Josie, when you joined sophomore year, I wanted to be your friend immediately. Your obvious talent and delight for dance intrigued me, as well as your shining personality. It also annoyed me (and still does) how breathtaking you are, inside and out. This year, I’m so glad we’ve grown closer. I thoroughly enjoy chatting with you at any given moment, whether it be at lunch, practice, or in the hallway alongside Dr. Keller and Priya. I automatically smile whenever I see you, and that will never change. I’m so thankful for you. Lydia, your magnetic presence has made you the ultimate team leader—a role that fits you well. I’m greatly appreciative of your guidance and dedication, as well as your desire to truly connect with everyone on the team. You are an incredible dancer, and the team wouldn’t be the same without you. Ellerie, you inspire me every day, on and off the floor. Even if you think you made a misstep in a routine, I can assure you that you always look perfect. Your passion for dance is so beautiful, and I’m grateful for practices in which I go over pom choreography with you and watch you shine. Tessa, with five class hours with you this semester, I’m grateful to have gotten to witness your spark. I’m not sure if you realize this or not, but you are definitely the funniest person I have ever met (extremely complimentary). I’m glad we get to share discussions in AP Lit, help each other with Spanish vocab and AP Stats homework, and work on labs together in AP Bio. In addition, I love watching you dance, as you make even the most complex choreography seem easy. Thank you for being unapologetically yourself; I appreciate you so much. Julia, you will forever be my AP Bio baddie. Currently, I immensely enjoy sitting next to you in that class, as well as chatting with you at practice about a recent test score or college applications. Your personality is a treasure, and I’m glad that I can consider you a friend. You are unparalleled in hip-hop, and I love dancing with you. Fiona, I’m grateful for your understanding whenever I tell you about a grievance I have on any given day. You make the stress of competition season a little bit easier, and I’m happy I can confide in you. Additionally, your dancing journey has been incredible to see; I’m so proud of who you’ve become on the team. Your leadership inspires me greatly. Maja, your talent is honestly mind-blowing. If there’s a new trick to be learnt, you already have it. I’m amazed not only by your performance but also by your deep passion for dance. I can tell you will be an amazing pro dancer, and I hope to see you on an NFL sideline one day. Ellie, I am depressed that you are no longer on the team, but know I appreciate you all the same. I’m grateful for the years we had together dancing, as every team event was so bright with you next to me. I’ve missed you at practice so much, but I am glad we are spearheading Choreography Captains this year in theater. I cannot wait for the musical! Coach Crystal, thank you for your belief in me freshman year—I know that audition was a train wreck. You saw potential in me when I didn’t see it in myself, and now, I’ve become confident in who I am as a dancer, all thanks to you. You are an incredible coach, and I’m elated for the rest of the season. 

WNBA — I miss us

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss the perfect week I spent in New York City over the summer. Besides the beauty of the city, I learned so much about journalism at Columbia University from Mr. Aimone, one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had. I can’t thank you enough for your tips and wisdom; I fully believe that I would have been a sub-par Editor-in-Chief without you. Also, I made some incredible new friends! Eliana, I’m so sorry I canceled our meet-up in August. If I weren’t dying from a fever, I would’ve loved to see you. Hopefully, one day, we will see each other again! Looking back, I’m thankful for your effervescence and courage in class; you carried much more confidence than I did in sophomore year. I was so nervous on our first day, and I’m so glad I met you. You excited me immediately with our rants over AP classes and shared obsession over good sushi. I know you’re doing incredible things in Florida, and I can’t wait to see where you go in life. Maya, I miss your warmth and joy. There’s a sweet film that encases every memory of you I have; your Pinkberry order, watching you sing with Vee, and laughing with you over theater and random stories. I thought you were so cool from the moment I met you, and I’m so grateful that you maybe saw a bit of kindness in me. You brought out my spontaneity and the little bit of extrovert inside me, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. Vee, your passion for everything you love is beautiful. Sometimes, I look at your Instagram page just to see where you’ve been in life, and I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. (I screamed when I saw you made your feature film debut!) I miss our adventures on 116th and Broadway, as well as your humor, wit, and New Yorker expertise. You are gorgeous inside and out, and I miss you. Claire, I love seeing your Letterboxd ratings! I remember your gentle demeanor fondly and think of you often. I wish we could have connected more, but even so, I’m grateful for the little time we spent together getting sushi and chatting about film and farmers’ markets. I hope you’re doing well in New Jersey, and I miss you so much. 

My teachers, for believing in me

I am so grateful for the teachers who make school enjoyable. Dr. Keller, I must admit that I might’ve slightly despised you last year—the constant deluge of assignments on the rhetorical situation and the 1-2-0 I got on the argumentative essay I wrote two weeks before the AP exam really got to me. However, looking back, I am thankful for your grading system and your constant belief in me. Your encouragement propelled me to study like I never have before, and it all turned out to be good in the end. This year, I am incredibly grateful for your insight and wisdom when chatting with you in the hallway and in sixth hour, as well as your impetus to help me with college applications. You were my anchor in those dark times (it was literally a month ago, but you know I love a good hyperbole and metaphor), and your support genuinely means the world to me. I hold the title of being your heart writer proudly, and I cherish our conversations deeply. Thank you so much. Ms. Webster, I love visiting you in between fourth and fifth hour. Our short and sweet discussions strike a tone of relatability I haven’t yet found with any other teacher, and I’m grateful for your everlasting kindness and supply of LifeSavers. I look forward to seeing you each day. Thank you so much for not only being a wonderful teacher, but also a great person. Mrs. Penninga, I am so happy that I won the plant raffle this week. I cannot wait to go pick out my future college dorm plant tomorrow morning. Besides that, you carry an immense passion for literature, and I love sharing my recent thoughts about Pride & Prejudice and the new Wuthering Heights adaptation with you. AP Lit is honestly one of my favorite classes, and I’m grateful for your understanding in all aspects of student life and for talking with me about the book I’m reading. Mrs. Lipke, thank you for teaching AP Stats with precision and care; after asking you a question, I can fully understand a confusing problem or concept. Señor Silvestre, lo siento si este sección no es perfecto. Pero haré lo mejor que puedo. En la primera día de escuela este año, estuve muy emocionada por su clase. Muchas amigas me habían dicho que su clase fue muy divertida, y ellas estuvieron correctas. Cada día, disfruto las actividades para hacer con Simiana, Swetha, y Ava, y también las celebraciones de cumpleaños por mis compañeras de clase. Ud. tiene mucha pasión por enseñar Español, y estoy muy agradecida por todo que hace. Ms. Butler, AP Bio is probably the hardest class I’ve ever taken, but your expertise on the subject makes it a little easier. I appreciate your feedback on the complexity of the Krebs cycle and our current unit on meiosis, as well as your dedication to your students. Mr. George Jr., Ella would disagree with me on this, but I enjoy your humor. Please don’t stop making ill-timed jokes; they really do make me laugh. Anyway, I’m thankful for your guidance in TCT and your offer of a fist bump/high five when I pass you in the hallway. Your passion for teaching makes you one of the best teachers I’ve had, and I hope that many more students will get to experience your wonder for education. Mr. George Sr., I can’t thank you enough for your assistance with my college applications. Your support means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for your willingness to stay in touch. Out of the blue, I’m often reminded of things you said and life lessons you taught us in sophomore year. You made an everlasting impression on me and FHC, and I’m thankful for everything. I will always be reminded of you when I see a Great Gatsby reference. And, thank you to Mrs. Ebels for nicknames, yearly emails, and being my original favorite teacher—once an Ebels Superstar, always an Ebels Superstar.

The rest — the idiosyncratic section my Countless Thanks would not be complete without

My Countless Thanks wouldn’t reflect my full gratitude for the people I’ve been so lucky to know without this section. So, to Mady, Tessa, Julia, Katie Scanlon, London, Rosie, and Delilah, thank you all for enduring AP Bio with me. I’m so happy that we’ve all gotten to know each other better through the trauma of confusing tests and investigation plans. I’m incredibly grateful for all of you. Rosa and Katie Probst, my Spanish 3 girls! Although we aren’t in the same Spanish 4 hour this semester, I know that I can always talk to either one of you about anything. I’m glad for our continued friendships and conversations when I see you guys after classes and at dances, and at football games. Making our skit video last year was oddly a lot of fun, and Katie, I’m grateful you’ll be walking alongside me at the senior ceremony in May. Clare, I’m filled with gratitude that we’ve reconciled over the past year. You are so sweet and kind, and you are ethereal inside and out. I love talking with you about matcha, as well as recommending local coffee shops to you. I always smile whenever you are around; I know the rest of this year will be amazing with you. Sonja, I’m glad we’ve been sitting at the same table in AP Lit for nearly the whole year, up until our current book club. However, I’m glad we still walk to AP Stats together, as I love listening to the things happening in your life and offering insight. Your calm energy is steadying, and I’m thankful to know you. Ian, thank you for your witty remarks and for telling me random stories in AP Bio and at lunch; I love hearing them. You make me laugh to no end, and I’m thankful for attending school dances in the same group and getting the chance to learn about you. Hayden, thank you for your humor and kindness. You are one of those people I can not see for a year, then catch up as if no time has passed at all. I love playing CodyCross and Subway Surfers with you, as well as chatting with you in the hallways after second hour. Simiana, Swetha, and Ava, you three make third hour so much more enjoyable than it already is. I’ve laughed so much in that class every time we struggle to articulate a sentence with perfect grammar or try to sing a new song Señor assigns. I’ve loved getting to know you guys this year, and I’m looking forward to many more conversations spoken in Spanish. Lily Meade, seriously, I love you. Your Letterboxd reviews are always so entertaining to read, and I love watching you kill it on stage. I can’t wait to connect more with you this spring beyond the realm of Letterboxd. Dia, I miss you bunches. If I end up going to the University of Michigan, I’d love to see you again. I’m grateful for your infectious, passionate energy and your concern for me after getting my wisdom teeth out—it was so great bonding with you over that, especially since you’d gotten yours out the day before I did. You’re so beautiful and talented on the piano, and I’m grateful for sitting next to you at the GUTS tour and watching the first TSITP episode with you this past summer. Hopefully, I will see you soon! The Kilwins crew, I’m thankful for every one of you for making work an amusing place to be. I thought everyone detests clocking in to their job as a general rule of thumb, but I honestly don’t. Through serving up ice cream in a rush and having dance breaks every 30 minutes (mostly with Lilly), I can say with conviction that I love my job. 

For the last time, to me

I like to wrap up my Countless Thanks each year with a dose of self-appreciation, as I think it’s important to be grateful for everything we do to take care of ourselves. As always, I’m thankful for my spirit and rambunctiousness—I hope I will never grow out of it. I quite like to “nerd out” over my favorite films, music, food, places, and people. I find it difficult to give myself grace, and I think I need to be both more lenient and strict on myself (at least regarding academics). I am glad that I am re-learning eloquence and the art of slowness, as well as the ability to not crash out over small inconveniences. I hope that I will remain confident in who I am as I grow, and I also hope that I will always know that being alone is not a weakness. I’m so grateful for the people who have shaped me into the person I am today, but also to myself, for choosing what shapes me and learning how to love unconditionally.