I’ve never been one of those people who has a favorite food or a favorite game or favorite specific anything because I can see the value in almost everything. I would define favorite as something that you like so much that your life would be worse off without its existence. For that reason, I don’t have favorite things, I have favorite people. The people who have influenced my high school career have been indispensable to my successes and my experience as a whole. One individual that has been by my side for the better part of the last four years as a support and a teammate is my girlfriend, Laura Mafla. Laura and I have clicked almost since day one, and our personalities bring out the best in one another. We both push the other to succeed and achieve all that they can, all while having pretty much the most fun out of any couple I’ve ever seen in high school. I would not be where I am today or the person I am today without her influence and positivity in my life. My favorite friends have got to be Caleb Williams and Devin Quintana. They are the two best friends I’ve ever had, and they will always have my back just as I will have theirs. Without them, high school would have been exceedingly boring. My favorite teacher is probably reading this right now. In all my years of school, never have I had such an instantaneous connection with an educator like I had with Mrs. Marek. From day one we’ve gotten along so well, and at this point, it almost feels like she’s a second mom. I will never forget the influence she’s had on me or the words of encouragement she’s had for me. Also, Billy Shakes and Mr. Wilde will definitely be a permanent fixture in my dorm room!