TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2018: Amanda Bartolovic

Sharon Parmar and Lejla Tukelija– for being fearlessly you

One paragraph will never be enough to describe all of the crazy adventures you guys have gone on with me and all of the love I have for both of you. Nevertheless, I’m thankful for everything you have done for me; I always will be. You two have taught me what it feels like to not care what others think and to just live. I will forever cherish the moments where we laugh until we can’t breathe. I don’t know who I would be without the both of you.

Sharon…thank you for the lengthy paragraphs that you text me on my birthday, which can be compared to literal novels that contain all of your kind, heartfelt words. Thank you for dancing like nobody’s watching and for being shamelessly you.

Lejla…I’m thankful for all of our unimaginable adventures, ones that probably wouldn’t have been possible without you. You’re one of the bravest people I know, and I will always admire the confidence and fearlessness that you have within you. I know you often doubt yourself, but I believe that with your love, you can do great things in this world.

Both of you have been the petals to my flower, so thank you for everything. I love you.

Medina Hindic- for being my second heart

Medina, the amount of care you have for people is unmeasurable, and I am eternally grateful for you. You will climb mountains for people when needed, and even though you sometimes hate that you do that, I believe it’s one of the reasons why you are the strong, courageous person that you are. With the amount of love you’ve poured into my life, I basically have a second heart, so thank you for that. Thank you for all of our jokes in the late hours of the night, all of the movies we’ve seen together, and for always asking how I’m doing. I will never stop loving you; thank you for simply existing.

Mia Tepic- for living life with me

Mia, thank you for coming into my life and for helping me grow from the small, shy kid I used to be. Even if we go a couple of weeks without seeing each other, the moment we hang out, it’s like we were never apart. You’re always there for me, despite the fact that we’re not always physically together. I’m thankful for that. I’m thankful for all of the strange but fun memories we’ve shared together over the years. I’m thankful for all of our little errand runs and that I feel like I can talk to you about anything. With your unbreakable character and intelligence, I know you’ll go far in life. The amount of love I have for you is indescribable, and you are by far one of the best people in my life.

Natalie Mix– for sitting behind me in 6th hour and being wonderful

Natalie, thank you for all of your words. At the beginning of the year, I didn’t expect to meet such a wonderful person that you have proven to be. Your encouraging comments mean more to me than you probably know. I’m thankful for them. I’m also thankful for our conversations in 6th hour and the inarguable kindness and light that radiates off of you. Despite your belief, you’re such a talented writer. I hope you never stop trying, and I’m excited to see how far you’ll go.

Andrea Wang- for being my adventure buddy

“Humans were made for two things: to take naps and to go on adventures.” -Andrea Wang

I will always live by your words that are sprinkled with bits of adventure and free-spiritedness. Thank you, Andrea, for sitting by my side during lunch and walking with me in the hallways. I thoroughly enjoy our little conversations about music, movies, and possible adventures. Thank you for the sunshine that you constantly give to people and for all of your hugs. You can make any gloomy, rainy day feel like June.

Ken George- for giving me a voice

Mr. George, thank you for undoubtedly being the best teacher I have ever had. You have taught me not just English, but also how to be a better person. Because of you, I no longer fear looking people in the eyes. Your words have given me little bits of courage that have accumulated over the past year-and-a-half. This courage has helped me grow, and it has also pulled out a strength in me that I didn’t know I possessed. No matter how cliché it sounds, I’m thankful for the never-ending support that you give to me and so many other people on a daily basis. Through your teaching and through The Central Trend, you’ve given me a voice that I previously only fumbled with. So, thank you for being the wonderful and genuine human being that you are. You’ve shown me how powerful words can truly be, and I will always remember you.

HAP girls who need help- for helping me

At the beginning of the year, I would have never thought that the four of us would have connected on the way that we have. Thank you, Rachael, Olivia, and Ashlyn for giving me a home inside of 5th hour. Our chats around the lab table that range from trivial matters to deep, life lessons are something I look forward to every day.

Rachael Elianna… thank you for all of the kindness that you give. I never feel afraid when I’m around you; you give me a hidden strength that I should acknowledge more often. Thank you for sharing your life with the three of us and for being a small yet powerful human.

Olivia Ogilvie… thank you for all of your colorful notes that have saved me in Human Anatomy. Also, thank you for always being there to listen and give words filled with support and love whenever it is needed.

Ashlyn Fitch… thank you for all of your sunshine. Although I haven’t known you for very long, you are one of the most encouraging and kind people that I know.

Maggie Ryan- for being a rockstar

When I first started working, I was honestly terrified. However, your kindness and comfort were the first of many things that made me feel welcome. Thank you for not making me feel bad when I mess up and for laughing at my jokes. I am very grateful for you and for everyone else at Culver’s. Thank you for being the coolest manager around; you are truly a rockstar.

Meredith VanSkiver and Olivia Luplow– for making WFP cooler than it already is

Meredith and Olivia, thank you for making me laugh. Coming to 6th hour at the end of the day is already a joy in itself; however, the two of you make it cooler than it already is. Thank you for all of your jokes, good-heartedness, and for being someone to talk to. I am very grateful that I’ve had the chance to become closer to both of you this year, so thank you for being there.