There is the common phrase when referring to the number of people it takes to get a job done, "it takes a village". I've never completely understood this phrase until writing this now, reflecting on my life. So many incredible people have come into my life and each person has shaped me into the person I am today. Each of these people means the world to me. These people are my village.
To my family.
Thank you for teaching me that the world is complex and that not everyone will agree. This has let me see the world from an understanding point of view, that not all people share. Thank you for loving me through all my mistakes and all of my accomplishments. Thank you for teaching me the importance of kindness. Thank you for always loving me.
To the girl who loves Slurpees, who plays the flute, piano, guitar, violin and the viola.
You never cease to amaze me. You have taught me to pursue whatever my heart desires. You will always pursue your goals and what is important to you. Thank you for the countless laughs and hilarious duets. With you, life is the world on fire. In a good way.
To the girl who makes wigs, loves politics, and loves her friends more than anything.
Thank you for making me smile every day. I have never cried from joy more than when I see you. I remember the first time I saw you and I thought that girl knows what she is doing. You are always determined and always smiling. You taught me that I can be fierce and love what I do and that I should never care what anyone else thinks of me.
To the boy I love.
Who taught me there is more love in this world than I thought possible.You showed me that the friend-zone is only a myth and you can fall in love with your best friend. You taught me there is never enough information you can learn and there's always an opportunity to grow.
To the girl who asked me if I wanted to sit with her on the first day of chemistry.
Hi. You changed my life by becoming my first friend I met on my own in college. I don’t remember much of how we became friends, but, I do know it started with one of us saying hi. You taught me the importance of friendship and finding a way to exit my comfort zone. Thank you for being there for me.
To my Roommate.
You taught me there are a million things to smile about. You taught me that it is okay to be sad, and reminded me that there are more reasons to be happy. You helped me survive my first year of college, which could not have been easy, So, I thank you.
To the girl who lives next door.
Thank you for always being a few steps away. Thank you for being the little sister I never had. Thank you for teaching me that true friends will always be there no matter what.
To my friend I met last year, who may or may not be reading this.
You taught me that a simple conversation can start a great friendship. We bonded over a love of sloths and a million other things, you became my twin and one of my best friends. You can't buy love, but you can rent it.
To the girl who will know I’m talking to her by only using one name, Helmut Jahn.
You are the most dedicated and driven person I have ever met. You taught me that if you want something in life you need to work for it, you need to want it more than you need air to breath. You also showed me the joys of satire and over exaggerations. Although we have grown apart this past year, I thank you for being a part of my life.
To my high school tech crew.
You taught me that family can grow. You taught me how to build walls and friendships. You taught me to be strong in every way possible. Thank you for preparing me for the world.
To my teachers who have supported me through everything.
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to fail, so I could get back up and try harder. Thank you for teaching me how to love learning.
To the people who tried to tear me down in high school.
Thank you for teaching me that I am not made of glass. Thank you for showing me that there is still more to be learned.
