.114 John Patrick Leon

John came into my life when I needed it most. It was my sophomore year of college and I was involved in (too) many things, one of which was Jumpstart. I loved it though, and John was my Team Leader. Also a student and also just as busy, John was incredible at wrangling our team in a compassionate way, always putting the lives and learning of the kids we were serving first, above everything else. He is one of the most patient people that I’ve met, proving this every single day when I was either asking him for assistance late at night or panicking in the morning en route to the school.

First and foremost, John is kind. He’s an expert and seeking out the good in people and doing so through genuine curiosity and respect. He’s great at listening and even better to listen to, with his New York accent and wonderful stories. John is intelligence and driven, always working on something exciting, important and bound to change the world for the better. He’s also one of the most dedicated people I’ve met when it comes to his friendships and family. He treats them so well and cares so deeply, always checking in and expressing his pride for them and their success. I remember that so clearly from our Jumpstart adventures. John really is a crucial part of my story. He encouraged me with my projects, motivated me each and every day to keep going (and to eventually move to NY!), and he just provided me with unconditional support when I really, really needed it.

John, thank you so much for being there for me during that specific year and beyond. Thank you for always having something sweet and caring to say and for always being the better person in any situation. Thank you for your patience with me, in and outside that classroom, and thank you for your help with navigating some tricky situations in my life. Thank you for always listening and for your wonderful smiling face that we all adore. I’m so grateful to be friends and even more grateful to know and have encountered your beautiful energy. Thank you, John, for being all that you are, 100% of the time.

-BD