Dear Reader

Happy Valentine’s day! I know that it’s recognized as a bit of a commercial holiday, but I really adore it. It’s based in something pure. I like it a lot because it gives me a reason to add a little sparkle into my day. I send my friends valentines covered in decorations. I wear red and pink together. I’m more appreciative of the things that I love. So, for this week, I figured I’d write a love letter to Mascots, because I love them, too. I hope you had a good Valentine’s Day, reader. You are loved, and you deserve to love yourself. 

Love, 

Sarah. 

Dear Mascots, 

How do I describe the love affair we’ve had? I think ‘unexpected’ is a good word for it. My fascination with you started as a joke, made on a Wednesday morning in a broadcast reporting class. I think, in the beginning, I was comfortable making jokes about you, because it was easy. You were lighthearted and silly, and you embraced those parts of yourself. Despite the fact that you were a part of something (sports) that I didn’t understand at the time, you were inviting. You embraced my jokes. You absolutely tricked me into developing an interest in sports other than hockey, but I think I can forgive you for that. Mascots, you’ve forced me to sit down and have conversations with myself about things like persona, values and staying true to oneself. And while I was doing it for what was all one glorified joke, I took more of it to heart than I would realize, and you became something truly special to me. Because of you, mascots, I will always know the value of morale, and I’ll always have a fun fact to share about myself during weird workplace icebreakers. 

Mascots, you may not hold center stage at a match, but your role proves honest and important nonetheless: you make others smile, through rain or shine. Your role has proven vital to kids, old people, and if you’re Gritty, random leftist Gen Z-ers on the Internet. And if to no one else, you’re important to me. Now, you’re an important part of my week, and there’s nothing that lifts my spirits more than snuggling up on the couch and learning more about you for The Globe. 

I think above all, I really love you because you are an extension of myself. Last year, I struggled with identity. I didn’t know what I wanted to wear, or what I really wanted to write about. I didn’t like any of the things I actually did. I certainly didn’t like the way I looked.  But as time has gone on, I have allowed myself to lead in the direction of the things I adore, even if they’re silly. Things like you. And through that, I have learned to love myself. You don’t have to be ‘useful.’ Your sports column doesn’t have to appeal to anyone. Your capacity for labor has nothing to do with your deserving of love. Sometimes, you’re great for morale, and that’s an important job. 

Thank you for all that you’ve done for me. I can only hope to embody your spirit when I’m interacting with others. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mascots. 

Love, 

Sarah.