If you asked me to say a few words about Journey (the person, not the path). I’d tell you she deserves every bit of this moment. Right now, we all sit gathered at a sports banquet, dressed up and smiling as everyone cheers and names get called. I stand today not only as Journey’s best friend but as a person who has watched her grind and grow though everything on and off the court. From the first day we met in 6th grade to now at her championship game one thing has never changed: Her heart, her consistency, and her dedication. Journey never was the type to be half efficient, she’s never half loved. half tried. Or half showed up. That’s exactly why I’m proud to share how much she means to me not as an athlete but as my best friend.
We met in middle school, not in some “magical” instant click, but through another friend. Journey was new, and I wasn’t even looking to make new friends at the time. I didn’t expect anything from the initial conversation. Honestly, I didn’t even think we’d talk again. But somehow we clicked not from the conversation but probably a few months later. Journey and I talked most days, called for hours. It felt like a fever dream. Just as fast as we had clicked we had also fallen out. Only because of miscommunication, and partly assuming the other person didn’t care. This time lasted the whole summer, but despite our differences we eventually had a real talk about it. After that, we never looked back. That moment wasn’t just about fixing things, it taught us a lot. We both grew from it, and it made our friendship even stronger.
What makes Journey different from other people is that she cares hard. When she loves something or someone, she puts her all into it. That’s how she is with basketball, too. She doesn’t just play to win, she plays because she loves the game. I remember her telling me she fell in love with basketball just by playing and getting involved with it herself. She didn’t like big crowds at first, and sometimes she’d get nervous playing in front of people, but she still kept going. That says a lot about who she is. That’s what makes her special not just to me, but to everyone around her. She’s not just consistent in sports.She’s consistent as a person. She shows up for people. She’s the kind of friend who doesn’t need to be asked to care, she just does. Journey’s not my best friend just because of how long we’ve known each other. She’s my best friend because of how much we’ve been through, how much she shows up, and how she never changes who she is no matter what.
I love you, Jojo
SaNyia Lofton – DePaul College Prep – DMSF Class of 2029
Photo Credit: Brocreative – Adobe Stock