On the first anniversary of Marin’s passing, we asked everyone who ever had any opportunity to meet Marin to share their stories with us. Thank you, Emily, for allowing us to share it with others.

How did you know Marin: We grew close through being in the Chinese Immersion program together

Marin and I had a lot in common when it came to media and pop culture. Back in elementary school, we bonded over the comedic YouTuber, Nigahiga, laughing over and reenacting cringy puns and skits. We watched similar TV-shows, children’s cartoons, and loved the same music–countless Mitski songs and indie pop classics. But one thing I didn’t have in common with her was her love for horror movies. Horror movies terrified me. But, in seventh grade, Marin convinced me to experience one for the first time. I remember us being tucked under blankets on the couch at her house, watching one of her favorites—Coraline. She even told me that she had a Coraline doll in her closet. Now, Coraline may not even be that scary, but this genuinely would’ve made me piss my pants. However, in the end, everything was okay. Marin was by my side. She was my comfort, my company, my protection from the button eyed villains and ghosts on the screen. As long as I was with her, I knew I was safe and supported. When I slept over that night, we stayed up listening to Sophie Meiers and other new artists I had discovered, talking until we fell asleep on her bedroom floor. I successfully survived my first scary movie.

Marin has not only been a part of, but has built so many of my core memories. She was relatable, fun, and so incredibly kind. I am forever grateful for her existence.