.285 | to Mr. Lars Trupe, from Fantine Giap

When I reminisce on my formative years, I often thank you for how I currently ingest and digest the world around me. I considered myself a fairly kind person before, but it was your AP World History course that made me realize that the depths of compassion and admiration arise from unbiased understanding of others and their cultures. Because of your dedication to emphasizing the value of all viewpoints in the continual creation of history, I learned how to truly embrace diversity, how to advocate for underrepresented stories, and to strive to include others. Through your genuine enthusiasm for questioning the status quo and exposing inconsistencies and hypocrisy, I now prioritize humility and honesty above all. You taught me how to dissect my long held beliefs, re-examine truth from many lenses, and to above all appreciate our shared humanity for the chaotic, but humorous beauty that it is (cultural travesties and all). And, while every year I am thankful for my growth secondary to your teaching, 2020 made me especially thankful for you. For all of this and much more, I thank you, Mr. Trupe Sir.