TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2018: Courtney Collar

Maggie Zorn – for always being there for me

Whenever I have a problem, you are my go to. Every single time, you take the time to listen to me rant and complain. You don’t have to, but you do because that’s just the kind of person you are. Maggie, you always give the best advice, and I know I can always count on you. I have endless appreciation for you.

Meredith Vanskiver – for inspiring me

Let me just say, wow, you have talent. Every time I read one of your articles, I’m stunned by the way you craft your words to flow and have such a deep meaning. I don’t understand the way the words just seem to roll from your brain to the page in such carefully creative ways. In particular, your word choice is astounding. After reading some of your pieces, I was inspired to try to experiment with my style of writing, to try something a little different. I wanted to encapsulate the heart and maturity you always exemplify. So, thank you for pushing me to become a better writer without knowing it.

Megan Raisch – for helping me through APES and just being a great person overall

Megan, I’m sorry for being so terrible at science. But, thank you for helping me understand it. I know my copious questions are a little bombarding, so thank you for taking the time and having the patience to answer them. That is one thing I really love about you: how patient and caring you are. You are never quick to judge. Also thank you so much for being such a nature girl. I don’t know what I would have done if I had to look through leaves for bugs or classify a tree.

Julia Kirkman – for just being you

When I look at you, it’s like looking in a mirror. Not physically, of course, but a personality mirror. We have the same humor and the same interests. We are both too addicted and dependant on coffee for our own good as well as hopelessly devoted to books that make us cry. I know that sometimes I say interesting things that would make most people look at me like I’m crazy, but you get it. You accept the “hot mess express” that I am, and I am so grateful for that. Kindness is an interesting trait. Some people are just “kind,” but you are genuine. I treasure our “uncomfy” goofy selfies and all of our terrible, cringy dance camp vlogs. You were the best roommate I could have asked for. Thank you for being such an amazing person and for understanding all my quirks.

Grace Pennington – for being a light in my life

You are a ray of sunshine. Literally. Your positivity never drains. It could be the worst day in the world, but just talking to you makes it better. You have an aura of golden optimism that exudes from you, making everyone’s day better. I love our car ride conversations; I actually look forward to them. As dorky as this sounds, every time you tell me something about your life, I feel special and honored that you would want to include in me in it. Thank you for being my sunshine and a constant source of positivity, no matter what life throws at you.

Alyssa Zadel – for being a role model

Alyssa, thank you for the example you have set for me in so many ways. To begin with, your dedication to dance makes me want to emulate it. You never miss practice for homework as others do, and you somehow manage an intense course load. You are also incredibly hardworking. When everyone else is slacking off, you never miss a chance to go your hardest. I can only hope to be that driven. Lastly, the way you handle difficult situations will for sure be a guide for me in the future. Thank you for being someone I can look up to.

My “Day One” girls –

How have we all stuck together since kindergarten? Looking back, I’m astounded by the people we’ve become. There’s no way we could have predicted at that age how we would turn out, and yet here we are. We are all so different from one another, and we’ve all really come into our own. We’re still friends. That really blows my mind. You all are my rock, and I couldn’t live without you guys.

• Katie Woods – for keeping me sane and driving me insane

Katie, what can I even say about you? Some of my favorite memories are of us at two a.m. ugly laughing over vine compilations. Or running around in T-Rex Costumes. Or watching Harry Potter. A lot happens at two a.m. Thank you for the scream therapy in my car and coffee runs on half days. No matter what we do, we always have a good time. Thank you for dealing with all my highs and lows. I know I don’t say it enough, but thank you for all the time you’ve been my best friend. Thank you for always taking my side when it matters and calling me out when I’m being stupid. You drive me crazy, but it’s okay, because I know I drive you crazy too.

• Sarah Tiggleman – for being your goofy self and my constant support system

Sarah, you never fail to make me laugh. Your bubbly personality and cheer are infectious. You are just such a fun person to be around, and I wish we had more time to hang out. Please come back to dance team! I need my daily dose of Sarah’s Happiness. Also, thank you for always having my back. No matter what happens, I know I’ve got you in my corner. If it came down to it, I wouldn’t doubt you would get into a fistfight on my behalf. You might have to hold my hoops, but I would do anything for you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

• Isabella Notarnicola – for being my fangirl “other half”

Thank you for enduring my endless fangirl rants and mindless jabber. You understand what it means to be so in love with a story that sometimes the words just spill out to anyone who will listen. In fact, you are the reason I’m so addicted to some of these books. Thank you for introducing them to me, and thank you for always being there to discuss this theory or that theory. I love having someone who understands these fictional worlds and is as attached to them as I am.