Class of 2020: David Broughton

A Letter to David Broughton

Hey David,

It’s kind of funny to me, you know? I never thought that the hardest thing I had to write my entire four years of college would be a letter to you. In theory, this shouldn’t have been so difficult because we’ve talked to each other many, many times about how much we value our friendship and what we admire about one another in person. However, as I’m thinking of what to say to you right now all I can really think of is how there aren’t many words available to accurately describe what kind of person you are or what you mean to me and to those who’ve met you. You’re the kind of unique person whose radiance is hard to put down into words…Nevertheless, I will try to do so in this letter I’m writing to you.

Did you know that I honestly don’t remember the first time we met back at PEAC? It feels like you and I were vibing so well at some point after that initial meeting though. I’m sure it’s because we clicked so fast that I didn’t see it coming. So when I was told to look back at the memories we’ve shared together as a part of the same cohort, I recalled the things we’ve done recently. I remembered the times when we would hang out for no reason at all but to be in each other’s company until an unreasonable hour in the morning. I also remembered when we hung out in the MASP office chatting when we were supposed to be finishing up our homework.

This next set of memories I’m about to describe didn’t happen too long ago. I’m sure you remember when you and I were gunning for the same job position we both wanted badly, right? You were there for me every step of the way from sending in my application to when we finally interviewed. We went back and forth for hours, practicing over ice cream and cake and checking up on each other when we got anxious about the next thing on our to-do list. Through it all, I’ve learned that everyone needs a guy like you to be around not only to keep them grounded but to encourage them to keep dreaming. What shines about you the most, David, is your ability to find potential in everything and everyone. You’ve helped me and so many others so much simply by being there to listen and by giving your honest opinion with care. I know you’ve mentored other MASP-ians and younger cohorts, which is honestly so fitting considering how nurturing you can be.

For those who don’t know already, David has performed outstandingly at CU without an ounce of doubt. He has simultaneously managed to complete (and defend) his honors thesis while going about his time working for a degree in Foreign Affairs, while having a job in catering while also being a resident advisor the entire time. All of these things separately can be enough to tire a person out for a lifetime, but David handled everything like a pro. There is no stopping him when he’s determined, and if he doesn’t get the result he wants at first, he won’t be feeling down for long. Oh, and did I mention that David is a master chef too? If I attempted to list his skills in one essay, I swear it would take me days to write it all down. The thing is, he’s so humble about himself and so subtle about his aspirations that I am still learning new things about him as our senior year is catching up with us.

David has defended his honors thesis successfully and is going to be graduating this semester as a MASP scholar and as an outstanding CU student. To top it off, he has been offered the rare opportunity to go overseas to Japan to teach English as a second language with the JET program. None of the aforementioned accomplishments were given to David by chance or sheer luck. David has dreams he wants to accomplish. His bar for success is so high and yet he never stops trying to reach the standards he sets for himself. All the while, he will support his friends without hesitation when they need someone to listen and guide them on their own personal journeys. To sum it up, David is the best multi-tasker I know! 

Congratulations on defending your honors thesis. Congratulations on graduating this semester. Congratulations on your newfound occupational offer. Most of all, congratulations on being the coolest guy on the block!

As we come to end our brief university life and take our next step into the unknown, I have but one request, David: Wherever you end up in the near future, never let the world take that brilliance that you have in your heart.

I know I said I wasn’t going to be too sappy when you asked me to write for you, but I couldn’t help it. Thank you for being you, David. Truly.

Your friend,
Maya