I AM THE WOMEN THAT I LOVE

by Chesney Jensen

My mom has always had a knack for listening. She opens not just her ears, but her heart (and arms when needed) to not just me, but anyone who walks into our home. My family’s home kitchen is the world’s most inviting space because she crafted it to be that way. She is the hostess with the mostest, but also the friend that everyone needs. Whenever I open my apartment door to someone, I try to channel her. I want to be the person she was to me and everyone around me, for those I continue to bring into my circle.

I love the way my sister can talk to anyone and make them feel valued, loved, and important. She dives head first into every project on her plate and works through the night to make sure every detail is perfect. When I’m working on a big project, I try to nail the details down just like Sam does. She’s also the person who brings out the silliest, goofiest version of myself. I have so much fun being me when Sam is around. I hope that I can make those around me feel the same way that I get to feel when I’m with Sam.

I met Hayden in 2nd grade in my FOCUS class. We made matching penguin puppets for the class puppet show, solidifying a lifelong friendship. She has the best taste in books (and honestly everything else) has introduced me to my favorite stories. Even though we live on opposite coasts, these silly fantasy books are kind of like the puppets we made 20 years ago. A little touchpoint that leads me to one of my favorite people.

Kenzie has a tough exterior, but she’s actually a big softie. She loves in big ways, like texting your favorite author begging him for a signed copy to give you as a secret Santa gift. While Pierce Brown may not have responded, the picture I have of her holding her Instagram message is one of the greatest gifts I’ve received. I want to love my friends in the big ways that Kenzie does.

Madeline loves her friends fiercely and laughs often. My parents always knew when she came over because they could hear her, followed by the rest of the “high school girls” laughing at something absurd, huddled around the same kitchen table that we’ve been playing cards at for years. Madeline is honest and loyal and loves her friends in every form that we show up as.

Madison always shows up. While she’ll never forget to remind us how early we made her wake up (sorry you had to set your alarm before 11am!), she is there for her friends consistently, and she has been such a wonderful constant in my life since middle school. She’s along for every ride and there whenever I’ve needed her. Madison is a friend who constantly shows up for those around her and only years later will tell you that you never really needed to ask for a ride because she always planned to pick you up.

I met Cheech while studying abroad, but it wasn’t until I moved to New York that she became a real best friend to me. It’s sometimes fun to meet a friend through the eyes of those you love before getting to know them yourself. Cheech, to those around me, was wise and confident and always stood up for those she loved. While they gave a perfect introduction, she’s also hilarious and brings joy into every room she’s in. She is the friend you can celebrate with during the highest highs, and she’ll sit on the ground with you when rock bottom hits. I try my best to bring her listening ears and accepting arms into all of my relationships.

Divya loves her friends so warmly. She is inviting and inclusive and loving with her time and space. There’s also not a plan I could throw her way that she would turn down. Her circle is constantly opening for new people and she welcomes friends of friends of friends with open arms and her big smile that we all love. She constantly shows up for her friends and I hope that I channel some Divya to do the same.

Delaney is down for anything. She will drive an hour out of the city for a Chili’s dinner in Jersey, follow me to Maine for a last-minute Fourth of July trip, and also, just sit in silence with you when that’s all that’s needed. She makes sure that everyone knows how loved they are and can always find the right words to tell them how and why they are so loved and valued. I have tried to channel that in these words, and also in all of my friendships and relationships since we met at that galentines party years ago (Happy Anniversary Del!).

I met Macy when we were interns in 2021, but Macy became a best friend when I dropped my phone off a bridge. I never asked her to accompany me on the journey of scaling the wall next to FDR, she just did it without question. Because that’s who she is. She’s been by my side for nearly every journey since then. Macy is the kind of friend that I hope everyone gets to have. She meets me at whatever level I’m at. From sharing her secret stash of memes so I can get some group chat glory or a quick Facetime so we can both just cry out whatever has been racing through our individual stressed-out brains, I hope to be there for all of my friends like Macy is so consistently there for me.

Hallie loves her friends so loudly. She wants everyone to know the names of those she loves and declares her favorite parts of her favorite people to everyone around. I’m currently channeling my inner Hallie, like I do so often. She’s also one of the bravest people I know, standing up for and loving herself and everyone around her.

The women in my life are the building blocks of me. I wouldn’t be who I am without them, and I love myself because I get to see my favorite people reflected back.

All my love to all of you,

Xoxo Ches