High School Lessons: Me, Myself, and I (and School) - Part 3
“When you reread a classic, you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than there was before.” ― Cliff Fadiman
Lesson 3: What high school taught me about myself and how it helped me grow as a person.
A Thank You Note to My Teachers, Counselors, and Mentors:
Even through all the challenges that I faced throughout high school, with friends and classes, I have to admit that high school had been some of the best years of my life. I made some life-long friends and I learned more about the world as well as more about myself. I am so grateful for all the educators, counselors, and mentors that guided me along the way and helped me get to where I am today, and if you ever read this I'd just like to say: thank you. You remember when I talked about a certain English teacher in my last blog post? Well, although Mr. Marx may have stressed me out all of senior year with the amount of homework he assigned us, he also taught me a lot about myself and about the world and for that I thank him and have no regrets for taking his class. Marx's English class made me fall in love with the English subject all over again. His class made me realize how much I love writing and partly inspired me to create this blog. He opened my eyes to environmental issues, social issues, and the benefits of sustainable living. He created a newfound interest in me for urban farming, and re-sparked my interest for the arts, specifically theatre.
Other than Mr. Marx, some other people that I'd like to thank for shaping me into the person that I am today and helping me get to where I am are:
Ms. Brooks
Thank you for teaching me not only about how foul politics can be (if you've ever watched House of Cards, you know what I mean), but more importantly how vital the subject is. You taught me about the importance of voting and that my voice, and my opinions, matter. (American readers: if you were planning to not vote in the November elections, I ask if you may rethink your decision and please do vote during the elections because it is so so so important that you do so; vote for the sake of our country and its citizens. In the words of The Queen of the internet himself, Tyler Oakley, "Apathy will make a Trump presidency.") Nevertheless, thank you Ms. Brooks for being such a kind and beautiful soul. Your excitement to teach our AP Government class everyday made me excited to be in your class.
Reader, if you ever get the chance to take AP Government and Politics or any government course, take advantage of it. It is mind-boggling how little the average American knows about the government that governs them. Do yourself a favor and get informed on how the government runs and how politics work. By learning about your government, you can make informed decisions when voting.
Ms. Reyes
Thank you for being an incredible global history teacher and being a confidant.
Mr. Mensah
Thank you for being such a great math teacher, while also being insanely funny. Thank you for writing my letter of recommendation and for believing in me as a student and an individual.
Ms. Torres
Thank you for being such an amazing guidance counselor who I can go to for anything, and for changing my schedule every time that I needed it to be changed. You're the real MVP!
Karli
Thank you and the DDC program for supporting me throughout high school and providing me with the resources that I needed to get into great colleges and programs. I can't wait to continue with you and DDC in the fall and throughout next year!
Sophie
Thank you for being such a great mentor and friend and helping me make my college essay, and other papers, 10x better. You're an incredible person and writer. Continue to do great things at Columbia and I can't wait to see you do even greater things after college!
Girls Who Code: Columbia University Chapter
Thank you for sparking a newfound interest in me for computer science and technology in general (if nursing doesn't work out, I know what major to fall back on). You girls, both those participating in the program and our teachers, are incredibly bright and are doing great things. Continue to break down boundaries as women in STEM and in tech. I can't wait to see what you girls do!
FedCap - Ladder for Leaders Orientation Speaker
Sadly, I do not know your name, but I wish I did. Thank you for teaching me the difference between one's career or job and one's passion. That even if my career doesn't end up being my dream job, that I should have a passion and I should practice that passion because that passion is what truly brings me joy and keeps me sane.
High School Friends
My Biffles, the OG #squad, you know who you are. You guys are incredible and have made me a better person. Thank you for still being my friends, even though at times that I could be kind of an asshole. I love you and visit me in Vermont! I'll feed you everything maple syrup flavored, I'll take you to Ben & Jerry's for the best ice cream you'll ever have in your life, and we can go skiing (after I learn how to ski myself of course!)
Mi Familia
I love you, but you know that already. You've been there for me my whole life, and I know that you'll continue to be there for me even when I think that no one else is. I'll miss you once I go off to college; please call and Skype frequently!
These people have shaped me into the focused, kind, understanding, open-minded, creative, voiced person that I am today. It's because of these people that I so deeply value education, want to help others, put my all into all that I do, and that I understand my worth and my privilege. Reader, even if you consider high school to have been the worst years of your life, it was never a waste of your time because I can guarantee you that you learned something valuable or grew as an individual from being in that school, having been taught by those teachers, and from encountering the people that you did.
Xo, Naydeline