It’s always strange writing about people you know; not to mention they have internet access and could possibly read this very mushy article. But, future-me embarrassment aside, I suppose I should explain why I want to thank the mentors in my life. To put it simply, they are the reason I am the person I am today, the reason I’ve grown, and the reason why I continue to look forward. So, below is a small thank you for each one of them. (If you spot your name, please click off immediately.)

Thank you to Mr. Weasley, my piano teacher. I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked after we stopped lessons due to the hectic junior year, but thank you for all the advice you’ve given while we were together. You made piano fun; I still remember our very first meeting. It was during the pandemic, and I was nervous. I had read your short bio on your website, and everything screamed a strict teacher whom I’d be walking on eggshells around. And when you logged on for our online lesson? You immediately threatened to smack me with a music sheet. (Jokingly. You jokingly threatened to smack me with a music sheet.) From that moment, I knew that you would be very different from the other piano teachers who’ve taught me, and you were. You taught me more than piano; you taught me skills such as rhythm and better note reading, along with introducing me to so many new shows and games. I learned so much about the art of word building from you, along with what makes a great villain. If it weren’t for you, I would have never fallen into the rabbit hole of shows like One Piece or games such as “Cuphead” and “Dungeons and Dragons (DND)”. So thank you, Mr. Weasley, for introducing me to new passions and always lending an ear to whatever topic I ramble off about. 

Thank you to Coach Gherman, my fencing coach. Your humorous and kind nature helped me over many hurdles in life. Along with that, I’ve always taken the advice you’ve given me to heart. I remember being sarcastic to you once during our private lesson, and to my surprise, you just laughed and said I was funny. You’ve seen me at my worst moments during competitions, and yet you never judge the tears rolling down my face. You encourage me to pick myself up, to keep pushing forward, until the bout is over. I enjoy our banter and the way I can talk to you about things outside of fencing. You’re always reminding me to relax, to sometimes take a breath, and just let the constant buzzing in my head stop. So thanks, Coach, for being a rational voice, for finding my attitude funny instead of annoying. And I agree with you: I’ll miss you when I’m off to college. Until then, guess you’re stuck with me.     

Lastly, thank you to Mom and Dad. You two are the main reason I grew up into the person I am today. You taught me perseverance, to keep studying, to tread on the harder path to find greater rewards. I still live by your motto, Dad: either you work hard now, and have fun later, or have fun now, and work hard for the rest of your life. I like to think I follow that motto of working hard now. Mom, I know we argue a lot, but I know you have my best interests in mind. I look up to both of you; your success in life drives me and makes me wonder if I’ll ever be able to reach that same level of success. You guys believe in me and my dreams, even when they do seem impossible at times. So thank you Dad, for all the advice that you give while we’re off to buy yogurt. And thank you, Mom, for level-headedness and snapping me out of my spiraling.

Thank you to all the mentors in my life, thank you for helping me grow. For the advice, the inspiration, and recommendations, thank you from the bottom of my heart.