High school is ending. This tiring, grueling, and amazing time of my life felt like it would last forever. While I knew of (and longed for) the end, now that it’s here, I’m not ready to say goodbye.

To start, I’d like to thank all the amazing people who made each day here feel fun and worthwhile. It’s only thanks to them that I made it here. I truly feel so lucky to have worked alongside such unique and driven students who pushed me to be a better version of myself. I couldn’t ask for better people to have spent these years with, and I’m fortunate enough that I couldn’t possibly try to name every person who I’ll forever love and cherish.

And our graduation wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of the amazing teachers who got us here: special shoutouts to the Goetzes, Ms. Kidd, Mr. Goldstein, and the whole of the Social Studies department, who so patiently and passionately taught me about their respective subjects. I only hope that my college professors put a fraction of the care and attention into their work that the teachers did here.

This isn’t an original thought, but it is true: high school goes by way faster than you’ll expect. While I angrily swore this wasn’t the case as I pulled late-nighters to study for tests or do my college applications, it turns out the elders were right. High school felt like an eternity for a while, but I’m still recovering from the whiplash as I say my goodbyes. I’m really trying to hold myself back from reading messages in my yearbook, but even just asking people to sign my yearbook gets me a bit choked up, because I’m acknowledging that this time of our lives is ending. Despite the work and sleep deprivation, there’s nothing I wouldn’t give to spend a couple more weeks just hanging out in class with my friends.

I mentioned earlier that I wasn’t really happy for much of my time at RM. This is true, and largely my own fault. My goal was frankly to just get through each day: do whatever had to be done so I could get into a decent college and get out of here. So, during the free time I had, I would often doomscroll, watch TV, or play video games. All fun pastimes, but I regret not picking up a hobby or joining another club. Despite this, I have minimal regrets. I made so many memories and learned so much. I still have the rest of my life to live a more active and fulfilling life, which I plan on doing. Although I’m going to miss everyone, this goodbye is a happy one because we’re all heading down new and exciting paths.

I came to RM through my parents’ will rather than my own and not knowing a soul. I spent the first couple months miserable and huddled on my phone to text my middle school friends. One such friend gave me the advice to branch out; I was going to be here either way, so I should make the most of my time. So, that’s what I did. I joined The Tide, and I cold-sat down with someone I had met in Biology class for lunch. These were the two best decisions I’ve ever made, and it’s because of them I made three of my best friends. I intend to take this philosophy with me to university, and I hope those of you with time left at RM apply it here. Like it or not, you’re stuck here, so make the most of your time. Go out, try a new hobby or join a new club. Join The Tide!