Illustrated by Leanna.
Illustrated by Leanna.
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Rookie is an online magazine and book series for teenagers. Each month, a different editorial theme drives the writing, photography, and artwork that we publish. Learn more about us here, and find out how to submit your work here!
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11 Comments
I love all these letters! I’m not exactly a 1D fan, but I was still really surprised when I heard how he’d left the band!
these all summed up my feelings perfectly. thank you Zayn :’) <3 always a directioner honestly
Man I found out that Spencer Smith officially left P!ATD today and I know I don’t even feel a fraction as bad as the Directioners do right now.
This is sooo so sweet. I started crying while I was reading these because I’m always blown away by the impact ONE AMAZING PERSON can have on so many people! It is such a beautiful connection, and we are so lucky. ❤ zayn would be so happy to see these.
I really relate to what you were saying about 1D rewiring your brain, Brodie: loving them has taught me to keep an open mind and never be ashamed of who or what I love. And I’ve always related the most to zayn because of his status as both an introvert and a poc (like Chris was saying): it can be easy to feel alienated when you aren’t outgoing or when your family’s culture doesn’t align with that of the majority of the people you interact with. Ruchi, I think it is so amazing and wonderful that you were able t thank Zayn for representing us!! I really respect Zayn’s courage; he was able to face hate from droves of people and find the bravery to step out on stage and perform for millions of people. I deeply admire how much his confidence has increased over the past five years, and I’ve found that being a fan of his/the boys has dramatically improved my confidence as well.
Mackenzie – I’m so glad you appreciate z’s fashion sense because if im being honest he has probably got the best taste in the whole music industry !! that boy knows how to dress. It doesn’t hurt that he looks good in absolutely everything haha! If you haven’t already, you should read Brodie’s interview with Caroline Watson on the boys’ style. So good!
Hannah – #3 and #7 really resonated with me!! Before I became a 1d fan i was trying to forge my “self-identity” by shunning pop music, but then I realized that its possible to love ALL kinds of music and still “be yourself”, and anyone that thinks otherwise is a very sad perso! and being a fan of theirs has also connected me to so many amazng people who have been the greatest support system over the past five years, especially this week.
Monica – haha I’ve always been thankful that zayn rescued harry that one time on stage, I hope that silly noodle doesn’t end up breaking a bone or something w/o his superman to save him!!
Recently I found a letter that I wrote to all five of the boys in 2012, and it was funny to see that I still feel the same way I did 3 years ago. Like Mallory, my time spent being a 1D fan was through ages 13 -18 so I literally grew up with this band. Zayn leaving has marked the end of a chapter, but like he once said: “There comes a day when you realise turning the page is the best feeling in the world,” …. I feel like the evolution of this band marks the end of my life as a teen, and it’s all a very weird transition that I’ve yet to get used to but I have faith it will be the “best feeling” soon.
Zayn represents individuality, self-love, self-care, creativity, spirituality, intelligence, kindness, peace, and love. I wish him all the best in his future ventures and will continue to support him and One Direction for as long as I live. It’s hard to say goodbye and move on, but I can’t wait to see what’s next. Really, truly. :)
“And remember nobody’s feelings are more important than your own :/ so take time to love yourself”
These letters are so sweet and we’re all sad to see Zayn leave :( He was my favourite and to be honest, the only one I found hot. But goodbye Zayn. All the best.
-M
still sad but really, really lovely. i sort of hoped for something like this to show up on rookie after “the terrible, fateful day of 25th march 2015” and here we go! you never disappoint x
Not a 1D fan myself but have a ton of second-hand affection/protective reflex over them because so many of my friends adore them. I’m happy that he’s following his own feelings even if it means doing something that was so difficult. The poisonous fame that triggered it continues to be one of the things in the world that most disgusts me.
This is absolutely gorgeous, i hope he sees it. Brodie is marvellous.
aww this is so sweet!
this is so heartwarming and beautiful, i was the :’) emoji the whole way through reading everyone’s letters and sharing the same sense of heartbreak and love and pride for the boys. i couldn’t help thinking about how grateful i am to be part of a fandom full of such perceptive, strong, kindhearted, intelligent, wonderful people, especially in a world where we constantly feel like we have to defend our interests or be ridiculed for it. you guys rock and continually help me recognize and appreciate the transcendent beauty of fandom and friendship. i hope zayn sees this and i know he’d get all :”’) too <3
all the love .x