.233 Shir Kochinski

As that substitute teacher once said, Shir is “Sure Something.” All jokes aside, I’m incredibly grateful to be friends with and to have been in Shir’s orbit during high school. She was unconditionally kind to me and anyone else she crossed paths with, and that meant a lot then, and still to this day. Even over the phone today, I felt nostalgic for her uplifting energy and spirit.

Looking back, those who matter most to me are those who are compassionate. Shir is such a shining example of leading with genuine compassion and just treating everyone with respect and dignity. It gave me such a calming sense of relief when I would find out we had a class together in high school, and I just always sensed such a warmth and empathetic energy from her. She’s a wonderful reminder of what it means to be good, and I know my life is better because of having her in it.

Shir, thank you so much for being such a sweet and lovely friend. Thank you for your kindness, both now and back at CCA in moments when you may not have even realized how much I needed it. Thank you for your contagious laugh, smile and soul (I stand by what I wrote!). Thank you for being such a smart, resilient, and strong woman. Thank you, Shir, for being you.

-BD