Most people hate the idea of being the new kid. I certainly did. When I moved from Minnesota to Maryland the summer of my junior year, I counted each day of the school year feeling a sense of impending dread as I knew that I would have to walk into a new building, see unfamiliar faces and wander through endless hallways. Imagine my disappointment when I found out RM had seven periods a day, not six. 

On my first day at RM, I had to consider everything I took for granted during the last two years of high school. Where will I sit at lunch? Who will I talk to during the fourth period? What if we are supposed to partner up in class? Who is IB? 

When registering for classes, I took Journalism and joined The Tide. Looking back, I realize that it was my best decision during my time at RM. I met some of my favorite people within The Tide and felt less like a transfer student with each passing day as I navigated interviewing students, teachers, and staff alike. While I will admit that I was grateful for my Tide experience when college application season came around, I am most thankful for The Tide because it was the first time I felt a sense of belonging in my new environment. 

While on The Tide, I realized that I wanted to pursue Journalism in the future and continue to report what was happening around me. I will always cherish The Tide for building my passion and introducing me to so many wonderful people. 

From laughing in the second-story stairwell during lunch to sitting under umbrellas during the pep rally to long study sessions with my favorite people at the library, RM has gifted me so many memories. Thank you to the teachers who supported my goals, thank you to my friends who accepted me with open arms, and thank you to the school that taught me that change is one of the best things in life.  As graduation approaches and college gets increasingly closer, I’d like to thank RM for showing me the importance of transformation and reassuring me that I will be okay no matter where I find myself.