Who would've thought that a DSHA high school freshman retreat could've led to an 18 year friendship?! Maggie has always been an old soul, someone I can count on for the greatest wisdom and advice. She is uniquely gifted in holding me accountable and deeply challenging me, while also showing me unconditional love. She's held space for me to grapple with my faith and the Church and patiently planted seeds in the midst of my questioning. She has walked with me through all seasons--the highest of highs and the lowest of lows--and has been steadfast in her support and encouragement. She is my ride or die, my truest confidant.

I don't even know how to put into words my relationship with Jenn, who I call "Ginge!" She has been my brother Dan's best friend and partner for 20 years, his wife for 10 and the older sister I never had through all of them. She's seen me in my awkward middle school stage, looked out for me in the halls of our high school, taught me how to drive in her black Impala in St. Dominic's parking lot, helped me navigate UW-Madison and mentored me through my career in corporate retail. She is someone I've looked up to since I was 13 years old and still do to this day! Words will never do justice to the impact she's had and continues to have on my life.

Christie and I truly have a lifetime of memories--swim lessons at Worth Park, sleepovers on my favorite red mattress, cookouts at Grandma Skrzypek's, playing "house" and "school" for hours, tubing at Nana's, coordinating outfits (mine blue & green, hers pink & orange), and those light blue Azzurri soccer jerseys--thanks Coach Caliendo! We grew up more like sisters than friends, different in so many ways, yet there is an inexplicable and unbreakable bond that no doubt will last us another 25 years.

I have no memory of a life without with Soph--she is my younger cousin, my lifelong friend and my pro bono fashion and make up consultant. We have had countless family holidays, "slumbies," movie nights and late night girl talks over chips and dip (there isn't a combo we don't love!) over the years and they have laid the foundation of our friendship and love for one another. Though many things have changed and we've even weathered a storm or two, we have and will always find our way back to each other. If our Nanu, Sal Palmisano, taught us anything, it's that blood is thicker than water!

Melody may be my "newest" friend but I feel like I've known her my whole life! We bonded over our love of music, food, coffee, serving our community and most importantly, our love of Christ. She has walked with me through the last 3 years of rediscovering my faith, sat patiently as I worked through challenging questions and been an unwavering shoulder to cry on. She's the friend I didn't know I needed and now one I can't imagine my life without.

This sweet little girl has truly been our family's missing piece. Making me a first-time aunt 2.5 years ago, Lucy has brought so much joy, laughter and happy tears into my life--hearing her call me "Nini" will forever melt my heart. Our day wouldn't be complete without her!

Andy and I began our journeys at NYU around the same time, and shared struggles quickly forged a bond. A brother in Christ, I first met him while we were both part of the DEFY entrepreneurship training program, where our love of learning and passion for serving others cemented our friendship. Andy’s humor can light up any room—I’ll never forget the skits he performed during our downtime. Beyond his joy, he is one of the bravest people I know.

Our paths first crossed at Wallkill in 2018, where I often saw Thorin leading mentoring groups in the Network Community classroom. One day I stopped to listen--an encounter for which I remain deeply grateful. In him I found a brother and mentor who modeled integrity, honesty, and courage, always reminding me of the power of community! His presence was an anchor at a turning point in my life, and his wisdom continues to guide me to this day.

Rich—my Yoda in real life, my Hermano, my fellow poet and Jedi Master—entered my life in the spring of 2018 as a guest speaker from NYU, but quickly became a brother. We connected instantly over poetry, language, and Star Wars, and his words on focus still live within me: that we are called to harness the energy of the sun and direct it toward a single goal! More than a mentor, Rich has been a poet, a guide, and a day one whose wisdom continues to shape my journey.

Fr. Zach entered my life in 2020 and has been a steady force for good ever since. He’s entertained my countless creative ideas over the years, always encouraging me to grow while challenging me to hold fast when things got tough. From the very beginning, he modeled what it means to serve and to be a man for others—a core commitment that continues to shape my life to this day.

Bart and I first connected in June 2022, and our shared love for storytelling, documentaries, and poetry inspired me to take my passions and goals more seriously. What began with mentorship in business and communication soon grew into midday lunches, long conversations on leadership, and trips to Long Island City to cheer on the Mets! Let’s Go Mets!!! Bart’s wisdom and steady presence have been a true gift.