My Goodbyes

Hopefully these don't have to be real goodbyes, but rather little send-offs before college. I hope to stay in contact with everyone here, but if we don't, then here's what I'd like to say to each of you before we all leave:

Rikki - Ah, Rikki. You already know much I love and appreciate you, or at least I hope you do. It’s still so surprising to me that we never really even talked until this year, considering how close we’ve gotten over the past couple months. You’d think we’d have been friends for years. I know you’ve had a rough stretch of time recently, though really just a rough high school experience in general, but I hope that I was able to lighten that load for you in any way, no matter how small. You’re a loyal friend, a great person, and I’m so happy that we got to know each other this year. I really have cherished the time we've had together, and I hope to add a lot more time to that before you leave. We will be staying in contact when you go all the way across the country, and while it’s far, I already know you’re going to do great things there, and great things after. Love you babe. Go save those fish.

Erica - You’re so beautiful. Genuinely. I know I always tell you that when I swipe up on your story, but it’s not me just humoring you. You are literally. So. Beautiful. Inside and out. I know you’ve been hurt a couple times by people who were too stupid to see your value and what they were missing out on, but the truth is, you don’t need them. The only people you need in your life are those who will encourage you and lift you up, and help you achieve the fullest of that massive potential that see in you. I never get involved in politics, but if you decide to pursue that career path, I’ll look into it just for you when you’re a rich and famous politician actually changing the world for the better instead of playing some game with social standing. You have my vote, sexy.

Abbie - Abbie, you’re just a very pure soul. You always say what’s on your mind, even if people won’t like it. Your opinions are so strong, and you really just have a great head on your shoulders. I really do value you as a friend, even if both of us are awful at responding to texts and calls. I’ve had some really deep talks with you over the years, mostly at ungodly hours of the morning after binge watching Rick and Morty, and I’ve come to find that we have the same views on pretty much everything. It’s really nice to have someone who I can peacefully debate with over technicalities that don’t even matter in the long run, as we all know that that’s what I like to do. I hope that we can become better at using our phones once we leave, as I’d love to stay in contact with you when we aren't able to see each other in person anymore. Have a great time at Wheaton. I know you’re going to be amazing at whatever you put your mind to :)

Leven - Like you said to me, there’s not much to say here, since I don’t think either of us could get rid of the other if we tried. Not that we would try <3

Hunter -  I think we all know how wild it is how quickly you fit into STM, despite only joining in senior year. You’ve become such an integral part of not only the school community, but also my friend group. You have a personality that I’ve never encountered before (in a good way, of course), but I’m so glad I did. Like you said in your post, an experience I had in your car was the basis for my personal essay, as it was the rawest emotion I had felt in a while. I’m glad to know I’ll always have a safe space with you, even if you do make inappropriately timed jokes and don’t always like the music I play. You’re going to go on to do some really great things once you leave here and have bigger opportunities. I fully plan on seeing you on tv one day for some technological invention, and being able to say “hey, I know that guy! I cried in his car multiple times!” Bottom line, keep doing what you’re doing. We’re all behind you and want to see you succeed.

Izzy - You are the most genuine person I’ve ever met, and that’s not an exaggeration. You are so kind to everyone you talk to, no matter who they are. I know I’ve said some really nasty things in front of you before, but you never join in; your response is always to see it from every person’s perspective, or to simply be sad that the world has bad parts and your friends aren’t always happy. Please never lose that kindness. It’s what makes you so special and such a beautiful person, inside and out. I get so happy every time you would text me about something, whether it be congratulating me on a volleyball game, or saying you’re sorry I had a negative experience if I posted a rant on the blog. I think getting to know you better and being friends with you this year has been good for my soul, honestly. I needed a little bit of genuine kindness this year, and I really appreciate that you were there to provide that for me. Never stop being you, because the world needs more people like you.

Catherine - Catherine. Oh Catherine. There’s so much I could say about you, but I’ll try to keep it brief. You are so strong. You’re an absolutely gorgeous person, inside and out, and even though the world keeps trying to push you down for some reason, you keep fighting back and making the most of it where you can. I want you to know that I’m always here for you, whether we’re both in Louisiana, or I’m in Tennessee and you’re in New York. I’m just a phone call away, whether you need help, or just want to talk about life in general. You are so much more than the troubles you’ve been through, and you’re going to absolutely thrive in New York. That city was basically built so that you could live there. I want you to continue to make the most out of bad situations, and to keep having such a big heart and beautiful soul. You’re really just such a sweetheart, and I hope you know that you have so many friends in your corner to help you with whatever you’re going through. Go have a great time in NYC, babe. Thrive for me.

Sofia - Hey Sofia! I don’t think we had spoken more than twice before we had English together this year, but you’re so sweet! I still don’t know you very well, but the parts that I’ve gotten to know are amazing. You just seem like such a down to earth and genuine person. You have a calming presence that a lot of people don’t possess, and I have the feeling that you would be a very good listener if I were to ever come to you with a problem. I hope you have an amazing time at UGA, and make a ton of friends that will compliment your personality and really strengthen and bring out your great qualities.

Camila - Camila, you are such a sweetheart. Even when people are mean to you (jokingly, of course. Apologies from me and Hunter), you’re never genuinely mean back. You have a nice presence/aura that allows people to feel comfortable around you, whether they know you or not. When I first came to STM, I was scared of most of our class, as they were all such unfamiliar personalities compared to the sheltered people at my old school. But even though I hardly talked to you back then, I remember thinking that you seemed very nice and open to conversation. I was just too socially anxious to ever start that conversation, so it’s a shame that we didn’t start to really talk until sometime last year. But I want you to know that no matter how much I may make fun of you, I do love having you as a friend, and I hope to see you go on to do amazing things.

Renee - Renee, we never really talked until this year. You often sat at my lunch table throughout all four years of high school, but I feel like I’ve never gotten to truly know you until senior year. Maybe it’s because we had our first classes together, or because we’ve both grown and matured over time, but I’m glad I got the chance to know you better. I’ve found that you’re extremely justice-driven, and hate to see things immoral happening. When I was in trouble with Adair and Sorrells, you always talked about how unfair it was, whether it be in person or on the blog. I want to let you know that I really appreciated that, because I felt like the staff was against me when I needed support, and having that support come from classmates that didn’t know me particularly well was very reassuring. I hope you have a great time at college, and I'm looking forward to seeing your name on a makeup brand one day, if that’s the career path you decide to follow.

Clara - Clara, I’m sure you hear this all the time, but your work ethic is absolutely stunning. I’ve never known someone who puts so much effort into their school work before, and it definitely paid off. Congrats on Princeton, if I haven’t already said that. It’s so incredible, and I know you’re going to do great things during and after college. I really admire how many things you are able to juggle at once- maintaining great grades, swimming, multiple instruments, quiz bowl, etc. While it is extremely impressive, I want you to remember to take breaks. When you’re in college, it’s all the more important to take care of yourself, as you won’t have family right there to help you along the way. That means no more passing out in the shower. If you ever need help, or just a little encouragement, feel free to text me! I hope you have a great time at Princeton :)

Adriana - Adriana, I’d like to thank you for everything you’ve done for our class this year. I know you sometimes felt unwelcome or unwanted in our class because of your online status, but the people who made you feel like that aren’t worth your time. I saw how much you did for us behind the scenes- planning our retreat, running the school's Instagram and making the college congratulations posts for all of the seniors, helping organize senior chapel, etc. Despite being online and being shamed for it by certain people, you didn’t give up on our class or tell us to figure it out ourselves, and the people who matter will recognize and appreciate that. I want you to know that you’re extremely talented and dedicated to everything you do, and your efforts didn't go unnoticed. Keep up the great work, and have a fantastic time with whatever you plan on doing in college!

Deryn - Deryn, you have a very strong will, and I know that whatever you decide to do, you will do it and do it well. We haven’t talked much since you’ve been online, but when we saw each other at senior chapel, it was like we just picked right back up where we left off. I love the memories I have of ranting for a few hours on FaceTime with you, and then just sitting and working in silence while we listened to music. While I wouldn’t call it having a study buddy, it was a great way for us to get our work done but also enjoy each other’s company. I really appreciated those calls, as they helped me decompress for a while. I know you’ll love Amherst and find some amazing people there, and I’d love to hear all about it when you do.

Ms. King - Ms. King, I hope you know how much every single one of us loves and appreciates you as a teacher. While you didn’t let us play Kahoot nearly as much as we would have liked, this year’s English class was the most stress free one I have ever had at STM (besides Tritico’s, but honestly, that barely counted as a class), and I don’t think there could have been a better teacher or class to spend my senior year with. Thanks for always being available for us, whether it be for class help, or just to talk in general. We all really appreciate you being there for us, as the staff situation this year has been so chaotic. I hope you continue to enjoy teaching, and have a great time with the class of 2022! Thanks for everything <3