I first remember meeting The Sidekick executive design editor Sofía Exposito at a Halloween social during my first year in The Sidekick. It was a quick but joyful interaction where we played mafia and exchanged candy, but one thing stuck out to me – her high spirits and lighthearted personality.
When I got my schedule this year, I was so excited to hear that she was in my Sidekick period. Walking in on the first day of junior year, I was elated to immediately recognize her from the pictures I had seen on Coppell Student Media the year before, but disappointed that she had situated herself within a group of only editors.
Over the course of the first few months of the school year, I quickly learned that being an executive editor did not make her as scary as the title seems. I learned that she was just another hardworking, yet jovial soul that contributed to The Sidekick’s diverse community.
In October, I daringly asked her to come to the Halloween party I was hosting, but little did I know that that would be the start of our friendship. Later that week, I made another choice to send her a cat reel, as that is what I learned she enjoyed. Soon, our Instagram DMs were filled with cat reel after cat reel.
As the year progressed, we got closer and closer. We bonded over the most random things – the Spanish language, high energy dances from groups such as Katseye and an internet phenomenon named Meowl characterized by the song “New Soul” by Yael Naim.
Every day that I walk into class or wander the halls of Coppell High School, I find myself lighting up whenever I see Sofía. Rushing to her, I find myself quickly immersed in a debacle about a topic that didn’t even exist 10 minutes ago.
These moments make me cherish the level of goofiness she brings to D115 while also being focused on her endeavors. Our personalities match so well that it feels like I am talking and hanging out with another version of myself.
She has taught me so much throughout the year, whether she has realized it or not. I’ve learned the simple act of caring for others and what empathy means to everyone around me. I’ve also learned to be accepting of myself and to surround myself with people who care.
The future is not certain, but I know that wherever life takes Sofía, she will always shine bright, illuminating her powerful but calming presence in any environment.
Thank you for all the adventures and laughs this year, Sofia. I will miss you, but please do one thing — stay goofy.
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