Sophie Camplejohn, Grade 11
UWC Pearson
When thinking about someone who has shaped my life’s journey at UWC, the first person that comes to mind is my best friend, Marlene Neef, a head-strong, musically-gifted, taekwondo-fighting, dog-lover from Germany. My first impression of her was from a distance, for we only bonded later into our first year at Pearson. She wore her hair in a tightly pulled back ponytail tucked underneath a variety of hats, ranging from oversized beanies to snapbacks. She sported jeans that didn’t fit the mold of skinny or baggy, more like a style for comfort. And, typically, paired with a branded hoodie and some bulky hiking boots. She sometimes came to the pickup soccer games Pearson would host. I was always happy to have other females be playing, especially the ones who weren’t afraid to play hard. I remember watching as she tricked out a player or two, in admiration. She also played the pianos that inhabit every day-room at Pearson, with the most beautiful melodies I have ever heard. I love music, but usually, the piano playing is pretty and only that. But, her piano playing is filled with emotion in a way you can’t miss even if you tried. When I later found out, lots of her playing was composed by herself or improvised in the moment; I was actually speechless. It still amazes me, although I don’t know if I tell her enough. I knew I liked her instantly, but I was slightly intimidated, to say the least. She held an expression of authority, only breaking out in a smile for her close friends.
I can’t exactly recall the first time we started talking; however, I do remember the first time we truly became close. Our mutual friend, Emi Kodra, was giving the latest updates on her boy-crush. We giggled along at her stories, filled with one too many hyperboles to express her growing interest. I was surprised when Marlene mentioned one of her own, asking for my advice on the situation. Emi already had all the intel on the story. We laughed a lot that day; it will always be a special memory of my Pearson Experience.
Throughout the year, and to this day, she has taught me a lot. I am someone who is quick to offer my time and smiles away to anyone asking or present, even if I was the one who needed a shoulder to lean on. It is a habit I had that, in a way, I was proud of, even though it wasn’t necessarily healthy. Growing up, there always seemed to be a negative connotation with being ‘selfish’. I made it my mission to smile at every passing person, and always put others before myself. I only had just begun realizing the inadequacies of this tendency when I arrived at Pearson. In contrast to me, Marlene’s kindness is oozing out of her but mostly reserved for those who she loves and cares for. She helped teach me my worth and the importance of taking time for myself.
Probably some of my favorite moments with Marlene happen when we go hiking. Pearson is a gorgeous, forest-like campus, where you can look out at Pedder bay as you walk along the dirt path covered in sticks and stones (that I have tripped on too many times). We would walk for hours, detailing ourselves to the other as if we were each other’s personal diaries. Or, sometimes, we would walk in silence, masked by the beauty of our surroundings, and the comfort and safety of our bond.
Although my first impression of her, one of big kicks and small smiles, wasn’t wrong, it is only one part of the beautiful melody that entails her. She also stands to have given me the most thoughtful gift, or rather gifts, I have ever received. I believe I forgot to mention that she is also a brilliant artist. I know, a woman of many talents. Right before winter break, I was going through a bit of a rough patch and was isolating myself from others. Rather than backing away, or pushing for answers, she gave me an advent calendar. Well, not exactly, but her own version of one. Every day, starting on November 1st, even, she wrote me a quote, with a painted illustration of her choosing.
She never put her name on them, so I will admit, at first, I was utterly confused as to why someone drew a camera and wrote for me to try to find it. I thought I was being pranked. I soon realized, with the help of the next note for the following day, the plan she had. Each day, after a long and tiring day of school, I would come home to my quaint little bedroom, with a new small painting decorating my table counter. Each one made me smile. Some even made me cry. She reminded me of my worth every day while giving me space to sort myself out. I cannot even begin to describe how meaningful those notes were. I still have every single one of them.
I guess what I have been struggling to put into words this entire article, is that she is my rock. Never before had a friend been there for me to the extent that I usually was for them. I almost didn’t believe it to be true. There is so much about her that I admire that I don’t have a big enough word count to explain them. I admire her artistry, both in music and illustrations. I admire her dedication to her passions and her loved ones. I admire her unwavering kindness and her rare, but raw and beautiful smile. She is someone that I aspire to be. I feel so lucky to have her in my life. And I don’t tell her enough. I think I will go tell her right now.
I can’t exactly recall the first time we started talking; however, I do remember the first time we truly became close. Our mutual friend, Emi Kodra, was giving the latest updates on her boy-crush. We giggled along at her stories, filled with one too many hyperboles to express her growing interest. I was surprised when Marlene mentioned one of her own, asking for my advice on the situation. Emi already had all the intel on the story. We laughed a lot that day; it will always be a special memory of my Pearson Experience.
Throughout the year, and to this day, she has taught me a lot. I am someone who is quick to offer my time and smiles away to anyone asking or present, even if I was the one who needed a shoulder to lean on. It is a habit I had that, in a way, I was proud of, even though it wasn’t necessarily healthy. Growing up, there always seemed to be a negative connotation with being ‘selfish’. I made it my mission to smile at every passing person, and always put others before myself. I only had just begun realizing the inadequacies of this tendency when I arrived at Pearson. In contrast to me, Marlene’s kindness is oozing out of her but mostly reserved for those who she loves and cares for. She helped teach me my worth and the importance of taking time for myself.
Probably some of my favorite moments with Marlene happen when we go hiking. Pearson is a gorgeous, forest-like campus, where you can look out at Pedder bay as you walk along the dirt path covered in sticks and stones (that I have tripped on too many times). We would walk for hours, detailing ourselves to the other as if we were each other’s personal diaries. Or, sometimes, we would walk in silence, masked by the beauty of our surroundings, and the comfort and safety of our bond.
Although my first impression of her, one of big kicks and small smiles, wasn’t wrong, it is only one part of the beautiful melody that entails her. She also stands to have given me the most thoughtful gift, or rather gifts, I have ever received. I believe I forgot to mention that she is also a brilliant artist. I know, a woman of many talents. Right before winter break, I was going through a bit of a rough patch and was isolating myself from others. Rather than backing away, or pushing for answers, she gave me an advent calendar. Well, not exactly, but her own version of one. Every day, starting on November 1st, even, she wrote me a quote, with a painted illustration of her choosing.
She never put her name on them, so I will admit, at first, I was utterly confused as to why someone drew a camera and wrote for me to try to find it. I thought I was being pranked. I soon realized, with the help of the next note for the following day, the plan she had. Each day, after a long and tiring day of school, I would come home to my quaint little bedroom, with a new small painting decorating my table counter. Each one made me smile. Some even made me cry. She reminded me of my worth every day while giving me space to sort myself out. I cannot even begin to describe how meaningful those notes were. I still have every single one of them.
I guess what I have been struggling to put into words this entire article, is that she is my rock. Never before had a friend been there for me to the extent that I usually was for them. I almost didn’t believe it to be true. There is so much about her that I admire that I don’t have a big enough word count to explain them. I admire her artistry, both in music and illustrations. I admire her dedication to her passions and her loved ones. I admire her unwavering kindness and her rare, but raw and beautiful smile. She is someone that I aspire to be. I feel so lucky to have her in my life. And I don’t tell her enough. I think I will go tell her right now.
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