I almost forgot that this is the whole point.
I’m sure you’ve heard this phrase before, and personally, I had found it a little cringey, but recently, I’ve actually been relating to it. Staring at the reflecting pool in D.C., surrounded by my peers as we take Prom pictures, some of whom I’ve known since Ms. Murshed’s class at Ashburton, I almost forgot that this is the whole point: the people.
I’ve been blessed to know so many amazing people during my time at WJ, and the people you meet, not the AP exams you pass or the awards you receive, are the reason why you cry on graduation day (or at least why I will cry).
As you will read in a lot of senior reflections, the friends you make and the experiences you have, in and out of WJ, define your teenage years. I am happy to say that I’ve met some pretty great people, creating that bittersweet feeling about graduating. If you asked me in my freshman or sophomore year, I would have said that I needed to get out of WJ and that I couldn’t wait to graduate.
However, these past two years, with the finish line so close, I’ve become nostalgic for my time as a teenager and wishing for a little bit more time: to go to another football game, to eat fries at China and garlic knots at Flippin’, to take a deep breath outside of the courtroom or to play another game of Press bingo.
But my time in high school is over, and on June 4th, I’ll be happy knowing that I spent my last four years doing things and being with people that I loved. Firstly, I would like to thank Sis, Ella and Nikoletti, for helping me with every minor inconvenience during these past four years and calling me out when I’m being a little cuckoo.
Thank you, Liam, Cristina, Nadeen and Lena, for making this Mock Trial season the best one yet — there is no one else I would have rather spent hours in Mrs. Simmons’ room with. Thank you Max and Jackie, for always “giving face” and never failing to make me laugh, and Abi and Vijay, who I know will do amazing things next year. And lastly, thank you to Mrs. Simmons and Mr. Miller for your endless support and dedication to our team; without you, our friendships and achievements would not have been possible.
My time is also coming to an end in The Pitch, a reality that I haven’t wanted to accept. It’s mind-blowing to me that after this senior issue, I won’t get to make another spread, bring blondies for press, eat pizza with Seyun or print out Best of SNO certificates — those duties are being passed down to next year’s EB. Thank you, Pitch, for giving me a sense of belonging within the swarm of 3,028 students at WJ and gifting me, and my fellow seniors, the best mentor we could receive, Mrs. Borrelli, who has nurtured each and every one of us. Her unwavering support, kindness and warmth have created a community within The Pitch that is indescribable. Thank you, Mrs. Borrelli.
With exams, clubs, sports, volunteering and whatever else you have on your plate, please take the time to learn about yourself, to grow and most importantly, to live life with those you love and who love you. Otherwise, you’re forgetting the whole point.
With gratitude and tears,
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