A Bittersweet Goodbye

I have always known this year would come, the year when I would have to go out into the world, out of my second home. People always tell you to enjoy it while it happens, because it is speedy; however, it's hard to understand how fast it is until you are faced with one month left of being with the people who have been in your life for over half your life. This place means more than what could be put into words, and it's the place that has seen me fail and succeed the most. Here I found the people who became like my family, whom I love the most, and miss the most. 

 

Senior year has been one of the best years of my life, and it's weird thinking that this is the year I have met the most amazing people all over the school. It wasn’t always easy, there were a lot of challenges along the way, not only academically but personally there were some tough days, however, they were all compensated by the beautiful moments with my peers such as:  organizing carnations, my last cultural week, halloween, the Zarza — among many other unforgettable experiences — all of which made this year one of the best I’ve had in school.  

 

It’s hard to realize how much my life will change after graduation. I don’t think I can fully understand it yet. But I know I will carry everything I've lived here in my heart forever. I also know I am ready to do it; it is time, however hard it might be. This school has given me the capacity to face the unknown, trust in myself, and walk forward confidently everywhere I go. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of community, one that I will carry with me. I have given more than half my life to this school, and though saying goodbye is hard, I leave with a full heart, knowing I gave this place everything I could offer, and it gave me even more in return.

 

I want to thank everyone who made this journey as wonderful as it was. My parents trusted me and allowed me to study in this school. My teachers for teaching me more than just what the curriculum states, for teaching me life skills, compassion, empathy, and for giving me role models to look up to. Lastly, a big thank you to my friends. Without you, it would not have been this hard to say goodbye because you made this experience unforgettable. You made school my second home, where I look forward to every morning when I wake up, laugh the most, and even in the hard moments. Thank you for being there. 

 

Finally, to the upcoming seniors, cherish it all—even the stressful days, the long IB hours, the fights. It all matters. When you look back, it all becomes something beautiful. Make the most of every moment; it truly goes by in the blink of an eye.

 

With love,

 

Laura Valentina Ramirez