Friends: Courtney Hansen

It was hard for me to find a picture with Courtney by herself, because it seems like she is always with friends in pictures. That doesn't surprise me: Courtney is such a fun, outgoing person. She's a terrific, creative hostess, but not in the way that some girls recreate a Martha Stewart photo and then sit awkwardly on the couch waiting to be praised. Courtney is truly FUN. She gets people talking--what's more, she gets them laughing. Part of the reason it is fun to be friends with Courtney is that her phenomenal intelligence lends itself to a dry, lightning-speed wit. I have often felt, in Courtney's presence, that I can't physically laugh any harder. I thought that she had always been socially gifted, and was shocked when she told me she used to be shy. The fact that she overcame shyness makes me admire her even more.

Something I value even more about Courtney is her loyalty and dedication to her friends. I will never forget coming down from the stage of my choir concert, and seeing Courtney (and Whit & Kirst) standing there proudly. I said something like, "Oh wow, you guys didn't have to come." The look on Court's face was confusion, like, "You're my friend. Why on Earth wouldn't I be here?" That same philosophy has been prevalent throughout our friendship. Whenever something important was happening for me, Court was there, no discussion. I feel like that is a diminishing trend in friendships, which makes Courtney all the more valuable and amazing as a friend.

If you don't have a friend like Courtney, I would suggest getting one immediately. But beware, friends of her quality and loyalty are in short supply.