4/25/21 - a thank you and goodbye

One week left in the city and I can’t help but pay tribute to the beautiful people who made this place feel like home for these last four years.

Thank you -

To Sonja for being there from the beginning and everything in between.

To Sophia for being a positive beam of light even in the darkest of places, and for camping in the middle of the city for the 1975.

To Nik for that magical day in Maggie Daley Park in the freezing rain and your panda onsie.

To Zac for never being shy about your excitement for life.

To Aryn for your patience and guidance.

To Cydni for your grounding observations, our gym trips, and that one night in our living room listening to ghostin with all of our lights off.

To Kire for your absolute compassion.

To Joe for your dedication to your craft and to having fun.

To Eve for being the friendly dearborn park spirit.

To Rachel M. for your down to earth humor that can make me laugh during my worst.

To Rebecca for the most wonderful laugh and warmth.

To Sofia for living out our wildest dreams coast to coast and being the most fiercely loyal person I know.

To Jose for always inspiring and creating the most wonderful art and conversation.

To Jackie for being my first teacher at Columbia who I felt really cared about her craft and students.

To Freyah Love for always pushing me to be my absolute best self and to remind me not to take shit from anyone.

Thank you —

To Lucille for being the best friend and roommate I could have ever been blessed with. You are my sister through and through.

To Sophie for being always down to listen to Ariana Grande (and everything else, I owe you so much).

To Addy for being a socialist legend and the best hype woman ever.

To Kasha for that one perfect day where we listened to “My Only Swerving” a million times.

To Andy for letting me punch you. I hope it hurt.

To Claire and Dom for getting matching purple wigs for the sole purpose of wearing them for our own amusement in our 8 hour Saturday class.

To Jess for vibes that kept me on my toes and for the chillest tunes.

To Devon for being the life of the party.

To Codee and Ethan for being the younger brothers I always wanted but never had.

To Billy for being my best friend that semester and forever the one that got away.

To Selena for being a green haired angel.

To Swatches band for their song Pastel Pink.

To Lindsay for your absolute softness.

To Zack for being so supportive.

To Claire L. for being the best combat partner out there.

To Stephanie for being the person I felt constantly pushed to prove myself to.

To Daisy for your heartfelt passion for everything that sparks your interest.

To Myah for explaining my birth chart and unlocking the world of astrology for me.

To Mak and Lauren for throwing the one party that I spilled my guts on myself and being incredibly gracious and the best Sag Squad out there.

To Sophie G. for showing me the ropes of the prop room and theatre building.

To Fern for your whimsical vision. I love to see the world through your eyes.

To Will for always lighting up and offering a hug when we ran into each other on the third floor.

Thank you —

To John for being the best mentor and for having the most brilliant idea of “no walls” for DOG.

To Phyl for the warmth that you bring to a rehearsal room, I am so honored to have been able to be privilege to watch your work as an artist.

To Hali for your refusal to give up or give in. You’re one of the strongest fighters I know.

To Stephen for those long nights rehearsing the monologue that still gives me chills to this day.

To Alana for your commitment to your craft and your refusal to succumb to negativity.

To Megan for having the coolest vibes and the coolest dog.

To Rachel C. for being simply one of the best people I know. I love you longtime and am so grateful for everything you do.

To Eli for recycling and saving the Earth. <3

To Mark Jr. for your smile that brings me more comfort than you will ever know.

To Rose for being your most authentic self and encouraging others to do the same.

To Heather for opening my heart to the true art of theatre.

To Sheryl for your gentleness and constant support.

To Deanna for your spunk and enthusiasm.

To Shayna who truly always understands the assignment.

To Pete for being literally the best boss I could ever dream of. (and of course Roger)

To Tadgh for your unrelenting love, for taking care of me the day I almost passed out, and for cutting my hair in front of the class that one time.

To Claire L. for all of those chocolate tastings, the care you demonstrated for your work, and drilling me on line memorization.

To Lili Mac for your boldness to be yourself always inspiring me.

To Hannah Wien for being one of the most comforting presences in the office.

To Maddie B for being effortlessly cool.

To Erin for your beautiful vulnerability and long talks in the prop office and holding my hand in your coat pocket that one cold night.

To Carseat for always biting my feet.

To Sol for wearing pink to my party that one time because it was my favorite color. (And of course for everything else.)

To Hannah L. for creating such a fun and colorful world to direct and play in.

To Amy for surviving one act play fest with me.

To Ashley for putting up with me during one of the worst Januaries and for being forever so gracious.

To Shoana for your upbeat spirit and total honesty.

Thank you —

To Gabrielle for your raw vision.

To Chase for your giggles and dedication to art.

To Bricia for that one specific conversation when our nation was holding its breath and we confessed to each other about our lost loves.

To Taia for always giving your complete self to your work and never holding back.

To Kevin for your beautiful and true words every single rehearsal.

To Luc for that one moment sitting on the risers in the SPT and you acknowledged the directing of the moment.

To Quinn for your positively brilliant mind and designs.

To Danni for the artwork you have put upon my body.

To Mary Catherine for keeping rollerskating alive.

To Jackson for constantly showing up. Keep it up — that energy will get you places.

To Nykol for always coming to the rescue.

To Stef for their words and their trust.

To Edgar for their effervescence.

To Savannah for being the best companion through hell and for the days with Gigi Marshmallow.

To Viet for your sheer talent and capability.

To Elena for your willingness to engage others.

To Ginger for being one of the most persistent and committed actors I know.

To Angie for your immaculate work ethic.

To Juan for being incredibly patient and willing to try anything.

To Arianna for our car trips pre and post shows.

To Elliot for your DEDICATION and hard work oh my gosh.

I have so much gratitude for everyone I had the privilege to meet in Chicago, even if not listed. And the tidbits listed don’t make up for the weeks, months, and years of love I have for all of you.