TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2018: Nisha Rajakrishna

Andy Travis & Akansha Das — for being two of the most driven people I know

It astounds me how two people, both incredibly intelligent and naturally gifted, can also be so humble. Your inherent knack for learning could easily be a source of arrogance, yet arrogance is the very last word that comes to mind when I think of you two. Your intelligence inspires me, but your humility truly amazes me. Thank you for being an incredible president and vice-president for HOSA, for putting your all into everyone around you, and for being so remarkably driven.

Mrs. Penninga — for being the perfect person to start and end a day with

Mrs. Penninga, you walk into your classroom every morning to an overwhelming amount of overdramatic teenage angst and emotion (curiously from one table in particular…), yet you still find it in your heart to not only deal with us, but also make each of us feel like we are truly important. Additionally, on top of everything, you sacrifice the last hour of your day to allow TCT to take place and function. I’m inspired by how smoothly you transitioned through some huge changes; neither AP Lit nor TCT would be here without you, and for that, I thank you.

Ashlyn Korpak — for going on a journey with me

I don’t even know where to begin, because for over a year now, you have always, always been there. You can tell when I’m not feeling great and always make it a point to ask what’s up, even when I can tell that you’re not feeling like yourself; thank you for being a caring, kind constant in our room. When I fill in my staff role, I still begin to type “Managing Editor” before I smile to myself and replace it. I miss taking on the world with you, but I’m forever thankful that you’re in my life.

Alexa Lauer — for always wanting to help

I’m not sure what it was that incited a need for both of us to take AP Calc, AP Bio, and AP Physics, but I sure am glad that I have someone else to struggle through it all with. Thanks for helping me out in physics when you can tell that it’s just been a rough day. We ride the same waves of stress, and it feels good to know that I’m not the only one. I’m not holding my breath for all three AP exams in the span of 30 hours, but I think we’ll be able to tackle it.

My queens — Tori MacLeod, Madeline Vonk, Ellen Hoss, and Emily Kostbade — for being the absolute best

My actual queens. What would I even do without you guys? I can’t thank you enough for being four of the most encouraging people in my life. Each of you brings something distinctive and fulfilling to my life, and I couldn’t go through a day without Tori’s care, Maddie’s humor, Ellen’s kindness, or Emily constant love (and softness). You guys have been the lights of my life, and I couldn’t be more honest when I say that I couldn’t get through senior year without you. You already know how much love I hold for you guys, so I just want to say thanks. A lot.

Yashmeet Kaur — for being one of my favorite juniors

The occasional looks that we give each other during an AP Bio test or right after turning it in make my day. Your drive to succeed and passion to learn honestly inspire me and push me to do better and strive for success like you do. I admire how much you know exactly what you want from life and how hard you work to ensure you get there. Everyone knows that you’re someone who’s going to make it and attain everything you are aiming for. And honestly, I couldn’t think of someone who deserves it more.

Claire Baguley — for being TCT’s biggest fan

All jokes aside, it feels really great to know that you genuinely enjoy reading the articles that we put out, so thanks for sincerely supporting us. Every person in the TCT room really appreciates it. For as long as your stick-figure drawing is up on our stories board, you’ll always be our biggest fan!

Amanda Bartolovic — for having so much passion (and giving me ice cream at the Culver’s drive-through…)

Your writing is really, really, incredible, and we are all in awe of the pictures you paint and stories you take your readers on with your words. We’re excited for what’s to come and are very grateful that WFP was filled with talented and passionate writers this year. Also, sorry you have to see me at my worst as I stroll through the Culver’s drive-through craving ice cream after work.

Yusra Sannah — for having the kindest heart

The fact that some of us had to argue over who got to write about you to show appreciation says it all. Everyone who knows you associates kindness and humility with your calming and good-natured presence. I will forever admire how hard you work, even when in the end, others reap the benefits more than you do. I can say with assurance that everyone truly appreciates you. Thank you for being a role model to all of your peers.