It started with a video I wasn’t sure I wanted to make.
When The Sidekick media editor Greeshma Marathu approached me, I was not exactly sold. Videos, I thought, were not my thing, and I definitely did not see myself going down that path. But she made it feel like a challenge, so I said OK.
What began as an assignment became something more. As Greeshma gave me pointers and helped me figure things out, we started talking more, joking more, and somewhere along the way, becoming friends.
It was not just The Sidekick that brought us closer. We had mutual friends, inside and outside the program, and those connections made everything feel more natural. Conversations that started with projects turned into everyday check-ins, inside jokes and the kind of banter you look forward to.
I always feel like I can confide in her, whether it may be about my little dilemmas or school crises. Without making my thoughts feel like a “joke,” she makes sure to reassure me whenever I spiral into a crazy scheme. Whenever she worries about something, I try to do the same. I like to think that we balance each other out, but mostly add to each other’s chaos.
She is the kind of person who can pull you out of a bad mood without even trying. She is straightforward, but never harsh. She is honest in a way that actually helps. Whether it’s encouragement I need or just a well-timed comment that makes me laugh, she knows how to shift the energy.
Seeing her daily in class always provides a laugh. Not just for the jokes, but for the conversations that actually mean something.
She is dedicated, hardworking and empathetic under pressure. It is something I admire, and honestly, something I try to carry with me, too.
I will always thank her for making this year with The Sidekick enjoyable and giving me something to look forward to. I also want to thank her for the Goldfish she gave me that I chowed down in a heartbeat before she could have any more.
Some yes’s just end up mattering more than you expect.
Follow Ananya (@ananyanarala) and @CHSCampusNews on X.
