When I first entered into Creative Writing, I was told that my grade level peers were who I would lean on, and learn to love over the course of the next four years. Thirteen-year-old me thought that was pretentious, too bold to assume. Thirteen year old me was proven wrong however, within the next year, and continually since. Starting as a class of nine, we dropped down to six, drawing us closer in the absence of a loved classmates, and in the presence of one another.

In a sense, I grew up with these five people, Starlie, Oona, Raquel, Sophie and Gabriel. We grew into ourselves together, and that is monumental in my eyes. Over these past few years, I have found some of my best friends in these people, found my people in these people.

In my writing here, I wanted to show the gratitude that is sometimes hard to speak out loud. While thinking of what to write for this, I remembered in my freshman year, a senior, wrote about all their individual peers, a short note on why they loved them so much. To say the least, I was inspired, and have chosen to do the same but for my grade level, the Creative Writing class of 2025. 

Starlie: Starlie, I admire your ability to love so deeply, but more importantly I admire you. Your wit, your humor, your endless rants, you Starlie, are one of my favorite people. There’s a certain chaotic tranquility I find in your presence, in our talks. I love it, it makes me feel seen. But even more, you make me feel seen. You make everyone feel seen. And you are loved for that and so much more. You are truly a one of a kind, kind of person Starlie, and I love you so much for it.

Raquel: Raquel you are the foundation of our class. Though you may not know it, you are the center of everything. You are collected, mature, you are the voice of reason. Your wit and charm, how it carries through in your writing and self is enchanting to see. Your want to help, your ability to put people at ease, these are the things that make you so wonderful. You are a selfless person Raquel, never mean or condescending. You’re charming and lovely, someone I know I can come to without judgement. You are a speical kind of person Raquel, and that is something you should always remember.

Oona: Oona, you have, since freshman year, been a leader. You are undoubtedly one of the strongest people I know. A voice that commands and understands, empathizes all in one. You, Oona, are a rock in a storm of never ending change. There is something about you that is just so different from everyone else. You are powerful, your presence is powerful, your mind and words are powerful. I admire you deeply Oona, and you know how much I love you.

Sophie: Sophie, you are one of the gentlest people I know, with the most tender and loving heart. Your voice, sweet and delicate mimics the beautiful soul under your skin that I know exists because you never stop showing it. There is not one person I know who does not love you, your smile—pretty as the sky—brightens every room, and you are always willing to comfort, to love anyone who needs it. You are a beautiful person in every sense, Sophie, so you better never forget it.

Gabriel: Gabriel, though I admit we weren’t close in the beginning, I feel as though I regard you my family now. You are trustworthy, honest, and brilliant. I appreciate our side conversations and debates, and all the times you talked with me about what was going on in our lives. You have a brilliant mind, and I know you will go so far in life, because you have endless potential. You are brilliant Gabriel, and I don’t think anyone tells you enough.