10:02 p.m.
Hannah: “HIRALLL”
Hiral: “HANNAHHH” and a pink crying sticker.
This is how our text conversations usually start.
I first met The Sidekick staff writer Hiral Patel in third and seventh periods this year and we bonded through the struggles of getting freshmen to reply to emails.
I knew about her through her previous work. One that stood out was “Ladies, you deserve more; Raise your standards.” I got the impression that she was a strong-willed person who sounded a little formidable.
But, in the first week of school I was pleasantly surprised, and she’s the sweetest person I have met.
I needed the first CHS9 Faculty of the Issue assigned and Hiral was ready to take it on. That enthusiasm stood out because not everyone was ready for a CHS9 story to be their first of the year. Afterwards, we continued to bond.
It feels like I have always known her when, in reality, it’s been less than a year.
She’s like the older sister I never had and I’ve texted and talked to her many times about issues I have or when I’m overthinking.
Usually it’ll start with me messaging, “R u awake?”
Two seconds later. ”Yes, what’s up?” and a sticker emoji.
It means a lot that she cares and it’s different than with other people. I still haven’t figured out the reason, but our similarities might be why. We are both INFP on the MBTI personality test.
She also has a brother, Mayur, at CHS9 who became the “honorary” The Sidekick CHS9 staff member and would find students to tell them to check their emails or teachers who forget to reply.
I’m so grateful to the both of you.
Over this year our conversations have not been limited to The Sidekick work.
Both of us are quieter people who listen more than we talk. But, once we are comfortable with people we start joking and laughing more.
I know numerous times The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford has seen us work next to each other by the little corner with sticky notes and wondered “What could be so funny?”
We found out we both loved fantasy books and webtoons. Numerous times I have asked Hiral for book recommendations and her selections do not disappoint.
One of them is These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong and whenever I reached a notable part I would text her, “I can’t believe that happened” or “That was crazy.”
Hiral, I’m going to miss you so much. Your smile, laughter, your stickers. I hope you fulfill your dreams and become the best teacher ever. Don’t forget about us.
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