I am thankful for more things than I can ever express without writing an entire novel. I am grateful for every breath that I take, for the leaves turning to beautiful shades of crimson and amber each autumn, and, most of all, for the people who love and support me every day…

To my family,

Mom, for always being a shoulder to cry on…
I have no clue where to begin thanking you for everything that you have done for me. I will never be able to recollect all of the words of counsel, support, or affirmation. You have always been the first person I go to when I need advice or when I need to cry. I know that I can always look to you when life becomes overwhelming, or I don’t know how to remove a stain from my favorite shirt. You have always been—and always will be—dependable when life is running circles around me. I am thankful to be your mini-me… to have not only your hair and face, but your compassion and patience. You teach me through example and conversation as you help me navigate the complex reality that is being a sensitive, ill, and unreasonably busy seventeen-year-old. I would be lost without you. I love you forever, Mama.

Dad, for the little things…
On the hardest days, whether it be a bad grade, a day especially littered with pain, or it simply didn’t go according to plan, the thing that I look forward to the most is a hug from you when I get home. You greet me without judgment and offer all of the comfort that you can give. I cannot remember a single day in my life when something as simple as a hug from you didn’t make it at least a little bit better. You approach everything in your life with grace and humility, from how you raised us to how you speak about your work and volunteering at the American Youth Soccer Organization. You never boast about your accomplishments or responsibilities, demonstrating that achievement is not about noise but about quiet, steady work. You have one of the kindest hearts of anyone I will ever have the pleasure of knowing and being loved by. You have taught me more than I could ever articulate, let alone write. Thank you for your steady presence through small (and large) things that push me through each day and propel me into a future of quiet, steady resilience as I follow in your footsteps of grace. I love you forever, Papa.

Brendan, for always caring…
Although you are five-and-a-half years older than I, you have always been there when I ask you to be. This has not only the truth of my performances, but it is also in my asking you to be there for a short errand, hanging out with people, or when I simply need someone to talk to. Thank you for teaching me how to stand up for myself and protecting me when I didn’t know how to protect myself. I love our nights out with Megan and Katie when we go to play games and get tacos, as they will probably be some of the happiest nights of my life with you guys. Although you would hate to admit it, you are compassionate beyond what most people would expect. You are the best older brother that I could have ever wished for, and I am beyond grateful to have the cosmic luck of being your baby sister. You have taught me so much through your presence and quiet, understated love. I love you forever, Bubby.

Megan, for your unwavering honesty…
Thank you for pushing me to be everything that you have always known I can be, even when I don’t believe it myself. You have never been scared to tell me how well I’m doing, but also how I can do better—be better. You push me in ways that no one else ever could, and even when I hate you for it in the moment, you persist. You are one of the strongest-willed people that I believe I will ever know. Never lose that, no matter what (which I know you won’t because of how unwavering you are). You are my sister, and that alone is something special, but for as long as I can remember, I have looked up to you. In childhood, this resulted in my copying you by doing gymnastics or wanting to put a purple streak in my hair, but it has grown into me wanting to be half as resilient and confident as you are. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for everything you have done for me… I have no idea who I would be without your guidance. I would be lost without you, but you’ve made me ready to fly. I love you forever, Gousty.

Grandma and Grandpa, for always being there from a distance…

Some of my favorite memories growing up are in the backyard of your home—wandering through what has long been named ‘The Winter Wood’ of my childhood. Despite a 550-mile distance, these memories and the lessons you have both taught me are a constant, quiet voice of guidance as I decide who I want to be each day. I love you both.

To my best friends,

Fisher, for proving that people can be truly good…
From being trapped in the bathroom due to a jammed door, the first time I visited your house, you welcomed me into a love filled with humor and joy, even through every predicament. You approach everything in your life with grace and humility as you always hope for the best. Your consistent optimism has challenged my pessimistic view of the world as you show me the best in people, even when I don’t wish to listen. By becoming close with my family and friends, you have become fully integrated into my life (with even my dad being sad when you haven’t been over for more than a week or my brother asking when we’ll stop talking so that he can play online games with you). You are everything that I needed to enter my life a little over a year ago; you have consistently made each day better than the last, as you are not only present in my life but also an active participant in every regard. I love you, Ayden.

Lili, for everything…
You are the best friend I have ever had. You are consistent and conscious, while keeping me grounded through the highs and lows of life in high school… and hopefully beyond. Although it feels as though the beginning of our friendship was an eon ago (aka freshman year), I feel like we are constantly learning new things about each other as we look forward to our futures. You have been my best friend through three marching band seasons, going on four winter guard seasons, my being in crew for two fall plays, four jobs, relationships, fights, tricking Fisher and Tyler into a Bibble movie marathon as a double date, too many “midnight” conversations, and so much more. As we struggle through every math class together, you have taught me what it means to truly have a best friend… something that I had never truly understood before. This is not only about being present, but by caring so deeply about the people you love. It is because of this that I will forever consider you my sister. I am so excited to start the rest of our lives like we always whispered about in Algebra 2, as you go into pastry, and I go into politics. When we both move away next year, I will always be here—even if it’s a two-minute update about your life. I love you, Lili Bili Boo.

Andy, for always supporting me…
Thank you for becoming my friend and a steady part of my life over the last year. You are an equally compelling and concerning person, as referenced by your recent paper plate award. You are such a skilled costume head for theater, and you are beyond deserving of the role that you have. Although your driving may terrify me, I love our chats in the car that range from philosophy to gossip and giggles. You are such a multifaceted person with so many talents and passions. Never forget them or yourself. I will never forget all of our memories together, from bringing you to prom when you were a sophomore to all of the late nights at the theater when we were scrambling, trying to find new costume pieces or remove stains from pants the night of dress rehearsal. It has meant the world to me to get to experience these things with you and watch you grow into yourself more and more every day. Thank you for the honor regarding me as the closest thing to a mentor you were offered for theater. I will miss you next year, but only because of the distance, because I will always be here for you. Thank you for being yourself, Andy. I love you.

To everyone who has fueled my passion for color guard,

Adrey, for going into the forest with me…
Our first show together, The Hunt, took us through the woods not only of fox-hunting, but of friendship as well. We learned to love and trust each other as teammates and friends through a few too many Chick-fil-A trips, eight hours at the beach with no sunscreen (I seriously thought I had sunscreen), two proms, a pickleball double-date, and too many hours driving between Cascade and Byron Center. I love coming to rehearsals with you because you make them so fun and positive, no matter how much you may be struggling that day. You are so supportive of everyone around you, whether or not you are close to them, and I am thankful for the impact that you have made on me through that. Despite us not spinning together last year, our friendship has remained true, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to share the floor with you again as we explore a new show and new experiences. I love you, girl.

Ava, for new beginnings and so many memories…
Thank you for joining Caledonia Winter Guard your freshman year, because I don’t think I would have otherwise. I am grateful for having the opportunity, somehow or another, to have spun with you for the last five years. Although some of those years have been rocky for our friendship, I am happy that we have found each other again amidst the chaos of life and rehearsals. Your friendship means a lot to me, and I am appreciative of your support beyond the gyms of Caledonia High School or the field at FHC. I am so excited to be spinning with you again this year and am thankful for your friendship over the years. Thank you.

Everyone at Caledonia Winter Guards, for giving me the last three years and many to come…
I have found a home at Caledonia Winter Guards through three years on Caledonia Gold and now Caledonia Independent. I have been pushed and challenged beyond just my technique, but also in my leadership and in who I am as an individual. Color guard has solidified itself as a central piece of my life as I grow more skilled and passionate each year. Thank you for giving me a community that has become a second home. Julia and Brandon, thank you for being such amazing coaches for the past four years. I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to have been learning from you both for so long, and I am excited to continue learning and growing this year. Rosalyn, thank you for being such an amazing co-captain last year and for being part of the leadership team the year prior. You go above and beyond for the teams that you lead, and you carry yourself with such infectious kindness that it permeates every space that you are in. I am thankful to have been around it for so long.

To The Central Trend,

Sophia, thank you for first editing countless stories of mine and making each day an adventure. Scarlett, thank you for sharing your insightful writing that is so far beyond your years with the world. I am ecstatic to see how you continue to grow as both a writer and a person—trust yourself and your instincts. Molly, thank you for being so kind and excited every day—you and your writing offer such a positive, unique perspective. Micah, thank you for listening and being so understanding about everything. Micah, Elle, Ella, and Maylee, I am so happy that you are all the editors this year. The Central Trend would not be where it is today without you guys. Jordan George, thank you for writing one of my letters of recommendation and being such a fun, yet sagacious teacher. You have fostered an environment that is so special to so many people by not only being a teacher but by truly caring about your students. To everyone else in this unique, creative class, you all make The Central Trend what it is: fun, reflective, and important as you tell the stories of yourselves and other people each day in a published format. Thank you.

To those who didn’t think they would be in this story,

Aayonah, for making me feel so accepted in theater this year. You genuinely made the show so much more fun and fulfilling; I am so happy that we became friends. Nick and Erin Wells, I am thrilled that you two have reconnected with my family in the past few years. I appreciate being able to turn to the two of you for guidance and am so thankful for your ongoing support in everything that I do. Zariah, for being a distant presence that I know will always be there. Although we have grown apart due to the distance, our friendship will always hold a place in my heart. Mr. Pool, for being so understanding and helping me grow not just as a player, but as a person. You have not only taught us how to play music, but you have also taught us about the emotion and humanity that are inherent in it through the stories you tell us and the conversations we have. Thank you. Nick D, thank you for making me feel welcome in more groups and communities than I would otherwise. Mia F, thank you for making the girls’ dressing room so lively during The Crucible and making every day an adventure. Never let anyone discourage you from being so open and outgoing. Tyler M, for making my best friend happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. Lena S, thank you for asking to work on the first long paper together and for becoming friends with me. I will miss having PL230 with you. Katie B, thank you for being my extra older sister. You have taught me so, so much about being a person, color guard, and dance. You are such an important part of my life and my family, as we all consider you a part of it. Mother and Father Basher, thank you for always being there for everyone in my family. Honestly, I can’t remember a time when your family and mine weren’t enmeshed in vacations and game nights. I love you guys. Mrs. Post, thank you for always charging my calculator for the past four years and always offering support and encouragement so far beyond your classroom.