When reading a book, I haven’t “finished reading” it until I’ve also read the acknowledgments section. Because a book, no matter what kind, is a labor of love; it takes a village, literally. There are so many people involved in its development and whether they’re part of the project from the start or join the party later, everyone who comes into contact with it has a hand in shaping the final product. It could be something big or small, but that nudge or comment or idea still leaves an impression.
I love how the acknowledgments section offers a peek behind the curtain of the work and effort that went into its creation. Those last couple of pages are like a time capsule that captures a glimpse of friendships and vulnerabilities, maybe even inside jokes and memories that remind me as a reader that the author, no matter how incredible, is still human.
While I haven’t written a book (yet), I have just completed my bachelor’s degree for environmental science and I just feel so much gratitude for everyone who was a part of my own journey. I wanted a way to express my love for all of those people who touched my life during these four formative years and memorialize some of the things that made this time special.
I wanted to express my appreciation for those who were part of my journey, whether for a semester, or a couple years, or since the beginning. Bringing this time of my life to a close wouldn’t be complete without recognizing those who were by my side, those who challenged me and made me think and rethink, who sacrificed to get me here, celebrating the milestones and helping to build me back up stronger after the missteps. Those who cautioned and those who told me to jump. Those who were as integral to my college experience as myself.
Whether a written work or the college experience, the support and encouragement from friends and loved ones means the world when taking on such an endeavor, and what better way to show my thanks and gratitude than to immortalize them, just a bit? Have their names inked formally, into the pages of your creation, or in this case, the digital text of this blog. To everyone mentioned here, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Photo Credit to Molly Lowney.
First and foremost to Alysha, Josie, and Brienne. I don’t know who or what or where I’d be without you. Thank you for keeping me grounded while also pushing me to be my best. You all deserve awards for the hours of incoherent rambles and nerdy theories I’ve made you sit through in equal measure. For the best group hugs ever, the ice cream anniversaries, the movie nights, the birthday surprises organized over Snapchat, for the amazing moments where you can practically read my mind, the countless “Why are you still awake??” messages, entire text conversations in ALL CAPS. For sitting through tv shows and movies and lectures with me, for being by my side as we struggled through papers and exams and bad weather and everything in between. I’ll always be your Megamind. Catch you in the Bermuda Triangle.
To Celine and Sabrina. Ya’ll know me too well. Thanks for keeping my Facebook Messenger app in use - our hours-long FaceTime sessions were always exactly what I needed when I needed them. I can’t wait to see you in person for a change.
To Gabi, Emma, and Gill. We’ve known each other for more than half our lives and I love being able to say that. Thanks for the beach walks, the Sunday morning pancakes, the afternoon Clue games, and the Friday Netflix parties. We’ll take that trip someday.
To Chloe and Heather and Elena. Thanks for all the hall council and Kenna Hall memories and for not minding (too much) when I have things to yell about. I’m so grateful for my friendships with you.
To Molly. My Beacon partner in crime! We really did it all this past year, despite a pandemic and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to do all these passion projects with. Thank you also for the wonderful grad photos. NMNF.
To Madeleine. It’s because of you that I watch DnD streams but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Can’t wait to go to the movies with you again soon.
To Sam. Living with you sophomore year was such a blast! Thank you for your hugs and your enthusiasm and always being a quick message away. I promise I’ll finish watching SMASH someday.
To Lily. You are still one of the coolest people I know. Thanks for including me in spontaneous photo outings whenever you’re in the city and for living such an exciting life so I can live vicariously through you.
To Macey. Thanks for being my go-to Disney and Broadway person. I can’t wait to yell about Jeremy Jordan’s next big role with you.
To Grace. Thank you for your smiles and laughter and enthusiasm about everything. I miss our talks about books and biology and everything in between.
To CJ. Thanks for the late night Discord chats, both the fun and crazy brainstorms and the serious discussions.
To The Beacon, the best decision of my college career. Thanks for believing in me and letting me try new things and for teaching me so so so much and giving me space to grow. To the 2020-21 editorial board, I’m so proud of us. And shoutout to the photog fam. You all are amazing. Keep up the hard work.
To Kenna Hall, my home away from home for three magnificent years. It’s not a place, it’s a feeling, truly.
To the Writers Mag ed board. What a fantastic group of fabulous people! I can’t wait to see what all of you accomplish.
To Swidz and my English 112 class. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my college experience and I honestly think it’s my favorite class I ever took at UP. I wouldn’t have my English minor if it wasn’t for this class.
To the ENV majors. You guys are some of the coolest, bravest, most ~resilient~ people I know. I’m so proud of us for getting through it. The world isn’t ready for the revolution you all are going to bring.
To Dr. Fang, Dr. Holdt, KG, and Fr. Hannon for being wonderful humans and awesome professors for some of my favorite classes. And shoutout to Dr. Dizney for working so hard to make a great research experience possible in the middle of a pandemic.
To Vienna, Austria. I’m coming back one day, I swear.
To GFE, The First Tee, and the SF Zoo for the wonderfully busy summer of 2019.
To Alessia Cara, Aly and AJ, Gabrielle Aplin, Hollow Coves, and Oh Wonder for keeping me company during the late night study sessions.
Shoutout to the galaxy far, far away and Kipo and Hilda and She-ra and Tangled the Series and Critical Role; V.E. Schwab and Gail Carriger and Neal Shusterman and Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff for whisking me away on adventures in fantastical worlds and making me think and laugh and feel.
And last but not least, to the family. Thanks for pushing me, encouraging, and always having warm meals ready for me when I come back home. I’m on my way.
Photo Credit to Molly Lowney.
