.044 Jon Zhang

Jon and I realized through our phone call that we’ve known each other for nearly 12 years. That’s 4,380 days, which coincidentally is the amount of days that I’ve admired Jon for his courage and fearlessness. We met in high school, and I remember instantly thinking that Jon has a strong sense of who he was. He seemed confident in his skin, something I was likely envious of then, and you could see that same envy in some of the interactions Jon would have with folks around school. Yet Jon always kept kindness at the heart of his interactions and friendships, never once stooping below the level of compassion for all.

Above all, to me, Jon is brave. He’s adamant and unapologetic about who he is, and he lives his life in a way that welcomes others into the same sense of beauty and confidence that he gives off. Jon is extremely funny, making me cackle just about every time we have hung out or talked, and he’s whip smart; always knowing the reference, always “yes, and”ing the joke into a more creative and complex place. He’s determined and diligent with everything he does - I’ve never seen him do anything with less than 110% energy and grit. Jon has a lovely way of being joyful in the sense that his joy is inviting and wholesome. it’s real, and it’s basically telling you, why don’t you come and join me? Jon has always been such a leader in my eyes and I know there’s hundreds of people like me who look up to him.

Jon, thank you so very much for being a role model to me and countless others. Thank you for always standing up for what’s right, even when it hurts, and even when you’re the only voice doing so. Thank you for being proud of who you are, much earlier than most people, and for leading with that pride and never using it in a manipulative or crass way. Thank you for inspiring others to be who they are. Thank you for making me so happy whenever we’re around each other, and thank you for your ridiculously creative and fashionable looks (lewks) that you’ve taken NYC by storm with. Thank you for being my friend in high school, for taking up the ASB Prez mantle (lol), and for being my friend 12 years later.

I’m so grateful to have you in my life, and I’m so grateful for your patience. I know I wasn’t always by your side, standing up for you and others, and I’m lucky and grateful to have you still by my side and for our friendship. I’m so grateful you bought my nightstand, and I’m grateful that we share a mutual friend in Jon, which still blows my mind. Thank you for being you, Jon.

-BD