As we go through different stages in life, we endure life-changing moments. But those moments’ effects do not seem to be evident until they come to an end. To all the underclassmen reading this, your senior year sneaks up on you very quickly. And even though you’ll probably ignore me like I ignored my senior peer-mentor who said this at the freshman orientation four years ago, it is important that you make the best of it and embrace the journey.
Coming into senior year, I was so excited about the end result, failing to realize that every single thing you do is crucial to that end result: graduating. As a senior student-athlete, my volleyball, basketball, and track & field seasons felt much more intense for me because every day on the court or field were chances to make the time spent memorable. Although every day I felt jolted by the approaching last practices or games of the seasons, it hit me quite differently when the final day came to an end. I felt rushes of regret and wished I had better personal and team performances.
That is something I did a lot: wish. Wishing essentially gets you nowhere, that is something I am still learning to cope with. At first, when I heard back from all my schools, I was disappointed. That is because I had more expectations for myself and my family counted on me as a first-generation college student. I fell into a state where I was depressed, forgetting to acknowledge that I had accomplished so much. I realized that a university denying me admission does not mean that I am worthless or not worthy to study there. And overall, I accepted that my past mistakes, triumphs, and many other memories I wish I could tweak or re-live cannot be changed.
Students sometimes complain about attending Malden High, but overall I am happy with my experience. I took part in programs that I do not think would be offered in a lot of the schools people say they wish they attended because of how it looks and is funded. Shout out to Summer Search for making these two years truly memorable and for staying by my side; most specifically my mentor Beryl Nyamunda because she dealt with me a lot. Thank you to Bottom Line (specifically Marisa O’Connor ) for really having me in check and always helping me out during the college process. At Malden High, although it isn’t always recognized, we have an amazing staff faculty who deal with a lot. Some even go as far as making student’s personal lives their own. I want to thank Ms. Alexis, Ms. Nims, Ms. Veritas, Ms. Magras, and Mr. Gallagher for being such great mentors. These were teachers that I felt like would always have time for me if I needed to express myself after class. In my opinion, you guys are such exemplary teachers and hope you guys know you are appreciated. Overall, I want to thank all staff members because you are there for us in ways that we cannot always understand and do your best to get us to get our lives in control.
I don’t think I would have wanted to graduate anywhere else. Yes, Malden High and I had its differences but I made such unique friendships and was in the presence of some really talented, passionate, and humble people; you all know who you are. And although I am sad that this chapter is closing, I am happy to say that I will be continuing my studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst but this is definitely not going to be the last of me that you guys will see. I love you MHS thank you for these four years.
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