As our lives move through time, we find people who change the way we see the world. As beings, we ebb and flow in ever-changing harmony, each day a different form of ourselves than the last.
Sometimes, I find myself lost in the vastness of our reality. In a world so huge, with so many people, where do we find meaning? What I have found throughout my life is that I find meaning through the people I know.
While I may only know them for a time, their pictures will forever be on my wall, their letters will always be in my memory box, and their faces will be memorized in my brain as someone I got to love. Here’s my thank you to those people.
My parents and Molly: Real love is unconditional
My parents have done more for me in life than anyone else has. They read to me every night, they loved me no matter what, and they encouraged me to try everything. They taught me kindness and love. Some people are just meant to be together, and I know that’s the case for my family.
My sister Molly is the kindest person I know. She has gone through so much but still brings a smile to everyone’s faces. Molly is my light in the dark, who picked me up when I was lost.
Everyone deserves a family like them.
Riley and Soumya: Childhood can be forever
Riley and Soumya are the first friends I can remember. Every summer, we would sit outside for hours and bike down every street in the subdivision. Riley and Soumya never asked for anything in return for their kindness. They were there for every celebration, every failure, and everything in between.
Riley is the funniest person I know, and our morning walks into school have become one of my favorite parts of the day. Soumya was always a friend, and even if I hadn’t seen her for weeks, she could jump right back in with me like nothing had changed.
Everyone needs a Riley and Soumya.
Abby and Ethan: Life is worth living with the right people
Abby was the first real friend I had made in high school, and I had known Ethan since middle school. I’ve never felt closer to someone than the first summer I spent with them. They are the most adventurous, fun-loving people I know. Abby was never afraid to try something new with me. I look up to her in ways I haven’t looked up to anyone else.
Ethan is like a breath of fresh air after a bad day. He always has something in his back pocket ready to make me feel better. They both pulled me out of the darkest points of my life. I can never thank them enough for the people they are.
Everyone needs an Abby and Ethan.
Sasha and Jayden: Confidence and drive are the key to success
Sasha is my Co-Editor-in-Chief this year, and Jayden is a fellow Managing Editor. They encouraged me, pushed me, and never gave up on my writing. They make journalism my favorite class, and going to competitions with them has become some of my favorite memories.
They will always live in my heart as people who are willing to do the most for you just to see you smile. I became a more comfortable and confident person because of them.
Everyone needs a Sasha and Jayden.
Hannah: You are more than you think you are
Hannah is someone who makes me feel sane. I have never had a conversation with a more emotionally intelligent and caring person than her. She makes me think for myself and never takes disrespect from anyone.
She made me realize that my worth is more than where I place it. Even when I felt like nothing, Hannah made me something. Hannah knows me for who I am, and I am so lucky to have someone who knows me so well.
Everyone needs a Hannah.
Dr. Howerton: You! Yes you!
Dr. Howerton has been one of the most influential people in my life thus far. She has inspired me and pushed me. She saw someone in me that I didn’t see in myself. I have never been a confident person, but she met me where I was and pulled me up.
She set me up for the best two years of my life. If I became half the person she is, I know I have done something right. She fostered a love and passion for life in me that I thought I had lost.
Everyone needs a Dr. Howerton.
People can teach more than any book, more than any lecture, and more than you could ever learn alone. The connections between us are what make life worth living. The people in this article will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I am so thankful I had the privilege of knowing them.
Hello! I'm Fionnuala Quinn. I'm currently a senior at OHS and this is my third year of journalism. Apart from journalism, I am involved in Cross Country, Track and Field, Best Buddies, and horticulture club. I'm so thrilled to serve as EIC this year!
