I first met Christian in tenth grade. He sat behind me in AP World History with Ms. Pinchem, but I didn’t talk to him until I learned about him from another friend. For the rest of the year, he was the guy I asked to gauge how hard the chemistry quiz I had next period would be. (The answer I got was always the same: “I didn’t study, and I thought it was easy.” Thanks, buddy).

By junior year, he had found his way into our little circle of friends, and we hung out in the library frequently. He even gave me a brownie from his club’s bake sale! It wasn’t until after quarantine started that we really began to talk, though. Talking exclusively over Discord, I got to learn a lot about him. We played video games together (thanks for the carry), watched Jeopardy and I even convinced him to do homework with me. 

We’ve spent so much time together this past year, and I’ve learned that there’s a lot more to him than I ever realized. As much as I say his puns are cringe-worthy, Christian’s a funny guy. He’s also incredibly caring for the people around him. Even though we talk for hours a day, he still surprises me with thoughtful little words and gestures. Sometimes (a lot of times), he has the most random and ridiculous ideas, but I can’t help but smile while rolling my eyes. Once I listened to him recall his favorite book series. He talked for over twenty minutes straight, and it was the first time I had seen him so excited by something he liked. Now I’ve heard him discuss many other topics, including the potential of algae, our progress towards a future in space, and electric cars. Christian’s brain can fly miles a minute (coincidentally how it feels when we’re walking together).

Thank you for all the fun times and for sticking with me for both the ups and downs. I can’t wait to make more memories together! <3