Flipping Chapters: Graduation
Graduation is a time for celebration and reflection, offering gratitude to those who guided you.
Four years ago, this moment only existed as a figment of my imagination. It seemed like an eternity as I washed my hands at a portable sink just beyond the doors of the Hastings Center. Imagining how far I would come throughout my four years at the School proved impossible, as my ninth-grade self only wanted to survive his first year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When I started my secondary school search in eighth grade, I prioritized a school with a tight-knit community. I emphasized a desire for community members who maintain values. I cared about having teachers who are genuinely interested in your success and provide meaningful advice when my work did not come out as expected.
Once I stepped onto the campus in the fall of 2019, I knew the School would be the right fit. After getting accepted in March, I immediately enrolled at the School. I am pleased to share that my gut reaction was on target.
While I look forward to new experiences at Macalester and in the Twin Cities, evidenced by the countdown in the senior lounge I maintained for months in the senior lounge, I must reflect on the impact that the School left on me.
The first year at the School never felt routine. Unfortunately, we were still living under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was an eerie feeling of the arrows that lined our one-way hallways, the cordoned areas for teachers and classmates in digital boxes, the frigid lunches outside in the tents or on the gym floor, and the third of the class I had met that year.
Throughout that first year, I learned the epitome of perseverance. Not only did I struggle to meet unfamiliar faces and form connections with my teachers, the fear of illness created an unease.
Yet, I watched as my teachers seamlessly navigated the choppy waters with grace. I admired each one who made it their mission to deliver the best education despite unfavorable circumstances.
Yet, I watched as my teachers seamlessly navigated the choppy waters with grace. I admired each one who made it their mission to deliver the best education despite unfavorable circumstances.
However, as the pandemic started to wind down and vaccines were made available, I began to capture the magic of the School.
The School allowed me to pursue–and create–passions.
Heading into the School, I knew I wanted to continue my environmental activism. In February of my freshman year, I founded the Environmental Club at the School. Through my position as the head of the club, I bolstered my skills in leadership.
In the leadership role, I organized several fundraisers and events attended by students and faculty members. I also presented at multiple conferences under the School's name and joined several organizations in solidarity with our club.
I offer my sincerest gratitude to club advisor Nicole Rudolph for her counsel and advice by adding ways to organize events or suggest ideas for a speaker series. Further, I am grateful to Dean of Students Paul Murray for giving me leeway on running the club, especially at lunch.
I offer my sincerest gratitude to club advisor Nicole Rudolph for her counsel and advice by adding ways to organize events or suggest ideas for a speaker series.
I strived to expand my curiosity in environmentalism by pursuing a policy track. I could explore this field more in-depth through the Model United Nations chapter at the School.
Attending the Model UN conference at Yale University unlocked a new passion of mine, public policy and international relations. The conference also served as a socialization event with other students, allowing me to learn about their views on current events and cultures.
Furthermore, I grew my interest in geography and travel through the Winterim program. Traveling to Iceland for Winterim must be one of the best trips I've ever taken. Along with lush and stunning landscapes, I relished the unique chance to travel with peers and teachers outside the country, strengthening friendships.
Additionally, I gained two novel passions at the School: theater and curling.
I distinctly remember Director Bill Jacob asking me to join the cast of a show during my ninth-grade year. I signed up for 'Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat' a year later, not knowing what to expect.
By the end of the run, I completely fell in love with the theater. I was mesmerized by the magic of the theater, with each person playing their part to create a larger story. Through theater, I fortified my abilities as a teammate.
Moreover, I decided to try curling. Even though I only watched curling at the Olympics, I was curious to learn about a new sport. I quickly became fascinated with the physics and strategy behind the sport. While I was not constantly running sprints, I learned to appreciate the nature of sports.
The School taught me how to share my voice.
Before coming to the School, I did not know how to share my voice. I had plenty to say, yet nowhere to share my thoughts.
Until I joined The Gator.
After spending all eight semesters on the staff, I genuinely have no clue where I would be without this incredible publication.
The Gator offered me countless opportunities to convey my opinions and shed light on community members at School. Also, The Gator opened a path to several prestigious awards and chances to speak at national conventions on opinion writing.
I am perpetually grateful for the steadfast dedication of The Gator's advisor, David Cutler. Cutler prefers his work for the publication to remain out of sight, but his devotion to student journalism and the success of each individual on the staff is commendable.
Furthermore, I am thankful for his trust in my ability to succeed as a writer and editor. I could not have asked for a better mentor.
The School guided me to become successful.
During the pandemic year, I did not have the best study techniques. I was shy to ask questions and often turned in work late.
After struggling heavily, geometry teacher Rupa Houndegla introduced me to math lab instructor Stanley Szwartz. Since that day, I consistently sought out Szwartz with any math-related questions. In turn, Szwartz was a significant reason behind my boost of confidence in mathematics toward the end of calculus.
The support system in the library does not end with Szwartz, and I owe my thanks to Upper School Director of Academic Services Karen Bernanke for her guidance and advice throughout high school, and to Librarian Elyse Seltzer for her endless help in the library and agreeing to being my Major Author Study advisor.
Each of my teachers cared deeply about my success, and the lessons I've learned during each class shows that. AP Language Teacher Donald Reese taught me how to manage my time wisely and the importance of regular revision and editing. AP Literature Teacher Kenley Smith encouraged me to look past my thoughts and to connect with others during our weekly harknesses.
And Sculpture teacher Amy Carpenter taught me to "fail fast" and learn how to deal with failure and make improvements to my craft. I learnt this while sculpting a moose out of clay. I faced several setbacks, yet Carpenter taught me to persevere through the pain.
Additionally, the School went above and beyond to ensure steady progress in Spanish. I used the opportunity to advance my Spanish by choosing to go to Argentina for an exchange program offered by the School last summer. I spoke Spanish with my host family and took four classes in Spanish at the school.
Most importantly, the School showed me the importance of a strong community tied to Core Values.
The core values lived and breathed throughout the School. Compassion shone through the Hastings Center's large glass windows. Respect bellowed through a classroom's open door. Jubilance and humility rang out throughout the hallways from accomplishments while greeting one another and wishing them a good day.
The message is heard loud and clear from faculty and students. Honesty, responsibility, respect, equity, and kindness is this school's bread-and-butter. Without the core values that everyone shows daily, my experience would not feel authentic. I extend my praise to the administration and urge them to continue honoring these values.
I hope that the gentle and kind fabric of this community never wavers.
I know that Macalester will feel similar, but I will miss the people who made the School special.
I will miss walking into School and immediately feeling the joy possessed by Registrar Janeata Robinson. Her infectious smile and welcoming attitude transformed the School into my second home. I know Robinson will be missed at the School as she is retiring after 22 years of service.
I will miss talking to the kitchen staff before the kindergartners arrive and the maintenance staff when I pass them in the hallways. I appreciated their attention to detail but also their awareness in our lives. I certainly enjoyed learning more about their previous jobs and plans for breaks.
I will miss each conversation with a teacher or member of the staff, always inquiring further about life or giving advice. I salute all the teachers and staff who guided me to become a better human. Everyone was present in this journey.
Today, adorned in graduation attire, I remember the long, windy road that came before high school. And I will not forget the people who got me here today. I will always recall the invaluable lessons from teachers and the sense of community I wanted coming into the School.
As this chapter closes, I can feel the pain of leaving such an extraordinary community. Yet, I will wear my tag as a School alum proud because I will always know that “once a Gator, always a Gator.
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