By Grey Tang (‘26)
When I was nine, my sister’s talking-stage-guy-best-friend-situationship told me I had RBF (search that up) as I third-wheeled their kinda-sorta-not-really date. His observation was right, but only coincidentally– in that particular instance, I just didn’t like him.
For censorship’s sake, RBF is this forlorn expression that forms whenever I relax my face. It’s something I make a conscious effort to avoid. Over time, I’ve learned to mask, but occasionally I’ll walk around WPGA with the same countenance as someone six feet under. Thankfully, in the bustle of exam season, no one notices. I get away with it.
Well, almost. See, there’s one person who never failed to notice: Sorren Lu ‘25, who graduated a few days ago. Since I first talked to them in eighth grade, Sorren has always looked out for me: whether it be checking in on me in the halls, giving me well-needed advice on running workshops during Pride Week, or gushing to me about the wonders of dual enrollment in AP Lit and AP Lang, Sorren has brought enthusiasm and wit to every interaction I’ve had with them.
Even as we rushed to class in the busiest of exam seasons, catching the slightest glimpse of my RBF was enough for Sorren to stop and ask if I was okay, to let me know they were there for me. And it isn’t just me that they look out for. I’m sure every younger member of the GSA can attest to Sorren’s caring nature. Coupled with intelligence and humour, Sorren is truly SuperThey [admirable].
To be honest, this article was supposed to be an interview, formatted the same way I formatted my equally beloved graduate friend Rainier’s interview. However, despite making arrangements, the unrelenting nightmare that is AP season followed by finals cooked me beyond belief. So here I am- pure glaze, no filler, except for the RBF stuff. Here we go.
I spent a few hours at Sorren’s house last day, under the premise of attending GSA business. Despite my lack of involvement this year, they were kind enough to welcome me and my even less involved companion in, with the caveat of greeting their grandmother properly as we arrived. Sorren’s presence was crucial to the chaotic but undeniably homely atmosphere. They bickered with me about my objectively irresponsible policy suggestions and my less-than-ideal morals. It was great. Sorren’s responsible, but not a stickler for rules. They’re a force to be reckoned with, and their departure from the WPGA community is not one that we take lightly. Though I’ve gotten good at covering up my RBF, Sorren has never failed to take note, never failed to check in, and never was unable to care. That day-to-day compassion has made my experience at WPGA so much better.
I’m not sure what we’ll do without Sorren. GSA will have to reconcile with the absence of one of our most impactful members (on top of Rainier’s departure), and I’ll lose the advice and solidarity of an older mentor. It’ll be a transition, for sure. But knowing just how much Sorren has brightened my experience and the experiences of countless others at the school, I can’t help but look forward to the impact they’ll make on the people in the next chapter of their life.
Sorren’s off to UCLA. Go Bruins!