Origami paper cranes are tiny symbolic masterpieces, representing longevity and peace. To me, they also represent staff photographer Eirene Park.
“Thanks Prathi, Eirene will be taking these photos!”
“Yes!” I quietly celebrate in response to my former photography editor Vibha Vibinav’s words, knowing that the visual media for the story I am currently working on is now guaranteed to be spectacular.
Long before I ever held more than a minute long conversation with Eirene Park, I had a clear idea of her many strengths. Eirene’s reputation preceded her in the best way.
Anyone in The Sidekick can tell you Eirene is an excellent photographer, one of our best in fact, but beyond her talent is quiet dedication. If she chose to brag about her award-winning photography, I doubt anyone would blame her, but that just is not her style.
Eirene Park is the type of person who feels bad saying no and thus finds herself committing to more than most can handle. Unlike other people-pleasers, however, she always follows through.
I admire Eirene’s ability to take on so many different tasks at once and excel at each of them. Even more than that, I admire she never brings it up or even asks for much appreciation. It is essentially a newsroom fact that Eirene will get it done and do it well.
With these realities in mind, befriending Eirene this year was my way of trying to find out how I could be more like this tiny wonder. If I call her a bee, know that I mean in the most complimentary way possible.
She is always buzzing around and doing the work that needs to be done. She is small, quick and determined. Her products (art of many kinds) are honey-sweet and always dazzling. Even with a billion things to do and still more piling on her plate, Eirene is never without a smile.
Talking to her is light and easy, an encouraging bright spot on even the worst of days. In school, every one of Eirene’s teachers and classmates know her to be bubbly and kind all the time. Outside of the classroom, her friends know that she deals with a lot without letting it show.
This year, I had the pleasure of sharing my double-blocked first and fifth Sidekick class periods with Eirene, meaning that I saw her first thing every morning. Talk about a mood-booster.
But surprisingly enough, that was not where our friendship sparked.
Near the beginning of the school year, every time I entered my eighth period AP Calculus BC classroom, I found a beautifully folded sticky note paper crane. I started collecting these tiny wonders that gave an otherwise tiring class just a bit of whimsy. It was not until I had at least a dozen multi-colored cranes that I discovered who was making them.
It turns out that Eirene had my teacher for BC the class period prior, and she had a habit of making origami and leaving it on her desk. A lucky coincidence made me the girl to find them. I am still amazed at just how perfect the association is.
Every time I see a paper crane, sticky note or not, I think of my own personal walking talking ideal of peace and perseverance: Eirene Park.
To Eirene, I hope you understand just how much I admire you, because even if you don’t advertise it, you are amazing. Good luck in college and beyond, knowing that I will always believe in you and the magic of paper cranes.
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