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It's not controversial to say that the internet has gotten so stale nowadays, right? In the natural human desire to innovate and optimize, we’ve consolidated ourselves to only a couple of sites that provide relatively similar content, doing anything they can to keep our attention for as long as we allow them to siphon money from us. I feel like I was born at a perfect time where I can sort of remember the early 2010’s era of the internet where this trend was only starting to begin, and the computer was some arcane magical device that brought me Super Mario videos if I could figure out how to spell it. Being a lot older and slightly more pathologically curious, I spend a lot of time online reading about things that interest me, which unsurprisingly includes the internet itself. While doing research, I’ve noticed that writing a webpage in html and sending it to friends was much more commonplace in the early adoption of the internet, before the institution of social media platforms, and that fascinated me. Such a task feels oddly intimate, like receiving a letter in the mail, but with the benefit of being able to see it wherever you can find the internet. So, allow me to attempt to replicate that experience.

If I had to bet on anyone to make a substantial change in the world, I would absolutely bet on you. You stand out through your actions– precise behavior that also feels completely authentic. In the time that I knew you, I’ve noticed that you never do mediocre work. There’s a remarkable passion and drive for life, and I am impressed by your work ethic in every endeavor you dedicate yourself to. When I hear about the amount of things you’ve accomplished, I am proud to call you a friend.

But beyond that, I admire your character. I think we have very similar values when it comes to helping our community, but seeing you work with such integrity inspires me to push myself further than I would have previously thought possible. Whether it may be helping the children for the Back 2 School Store and the Cradle of Aviation Trip, or settling down plans for action in the NAACP, you have a level of care and intentionality that radiates through everything you do and uplifts everyone around you. It was great knowing that whatever activity I put myself through for the school, you’re always there to go through it with me.

You will beat insurmountable odds with ease– you know it, I know it. Just don’t forget about me when you make it big.

Anyway, the communication line is always open. At the bottom of this page, you can find my contact information. The website itself will be updated to include projects I’m working on, if you’re curious. If you want to get in contact with me for any reason, don’t hesitate to reach me at the contacts on the website.

I wish you the absolute best that this life has to offer. I hope this letter serves as an adequate acknowledgement of the benefit that you have brought into my life. May God bless your journey ahead. I’ll leave off with one of my favorite quotes by Henry David Thoreau in his journal, Walden, “Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star.” In no uncertain terms, every day is an opportunity to move forward and improve on yourself—to awaken to your own becoming, to rise toward the life only you can create. I still have much yet to learn, but I’m glad I was able to learn alongside you.

Sincerely,

Ethan Patterson

Ethan's Signature

Contact Information

These are more personal points of contact listed from most active to least, I'm trusting that you keep it secure (please)

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@atwalden.life