The Chance to Start Fresh (Again)

 

At home, I have told them everything from the banal – “always be kind” – to the more practical: “Don’t ever be late for Mr. Chandler’s class.” 

 

I give them the sort of advice I would give my younger self.  But most of all, my advice is to come to school knowing you have a clean slate, so have a clear mind and be willing to say yes to all sorts of opportunities. 

 

My first year at Stanstead felt so free, despite it being COVID. It felt like Stanstead was one of the only places in the world where you could still forge connections with people through the masks because we were all living on campus.  

 

The whole school became a big bubble, one where roommates were exceptionally close, classes were all in one room, and we were still allowed our phones in class. But we also were never allowed in each other's rooms. We had to play sports with masks on and no one was allowed to go to Traditions. 

 

The Stanstead I am getting ready to leave is very different from the place I started off in. The school is still a bubble, but in a different way. It is a cove of people that I love, classes that I enjoy and sports I sometimes like to play. 

 

Next year, my sisters will walk into that new version of the Stanstead bubble. I’m jealous, because in some ways I’ll be sorry to leave. While I wouldn't necessarily classify the school as “freeing” anymore, it gave me some advantages.  

 

For example, there is a reason that most of you don't remember a time when Traditions were off limits, and it's because most of you weren't here. Each year people cycle in and out of Stanstead, and just like you don't remember Demauz, you also don't remember the mistakes or failures of most people around you. And there is certainly freedom in that.  

 

Most of the memories you have of this place will be absorbed by good times and goodbyes.  

 

The spring is the time where everyone becomes increasingly aware of this fact. It's why in the spring, like the very beginning of the year, each of us gets a clean slate once again. The weather is getting warmer, your grade getting tighter and prom is getting closer.  

 

So as much as this advice was once for my sisters, it is also important to remember that Stanstead belongs to us now, and each of us has our own unique version. For the last two months, don't be afraid to leave your mark. Make it yours, and enjoy every second. 

Hear the speech: https://youtube.com/shorts/EIWtxdle1xY?feature=share