The authors of Before 19 would like to extend our gratitude to all those who helped bring this year's edition to completion. To Dan Pereira and AP Orlebeke: thank you for taking on the lengthy and complicated task of building an online platform for our essays; your time and technological expertise are greatly appreciated. To the English Department: thank you for giving us space in your common room to revise and discuss these pieces. To the Administration: thank you for your uninterrupted support. To our readers: thank you for your interest in what we have to say. And lastly, to Caroline Dumaine: thank you for showing us how joyful and fulfilling writing can be. We could not have asked for a more thoughtful mentor to guide us through this process, and we say, in full confidence, that because of you we have changed for the better-- as writers and as people.