I started high school at 4’11. I’m now 5’7 and proud to say that during these past 3.75 years, I’ve grown both in stature and, more importantly, as a person.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend New Trier as it has allowed me to meet so many amazing people and to explore my interests.

During my high school career, I discovered that it is possible to function on four hours of sleep, and that walking outside after swimming freshman year was less than enjoyable (thankfully I developed a “chlorine allergy” sophomore year). However, I also found my passion for journalism, my love of art and the satisfaction of the coffee bar.

I started at the newspaper as a shy observer, scared of going after the big stories. The New Trier News, however, taught me to step out of my comfort zone. Along with interviewing, writing, and editing skills, the New Trier News has given me confidence that I will carry with me as I go to college and onto the next chapter.

Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to learn from so many incredible teachers. 

Thank you Lombo (Mrs. Lombardi) for always being there with a ready ear and a batch of pancakes every Tuesday. 

Thank you Mr. Trovato for teaching me how to write a proper lead, and to NEVER use exclamation points.

Thank you Mrs. Fajerstein for teaching me about derivatives and au pairs.

Señora Simons, I always looked forward to getting a high five each day on my way out of class.

Mrs. Kollar, you always had the best holiday themed outfits, and whenever I’m stuck in pouring rain, I can’t help but think about the fact that I’m saturated.

Thank you Mr. Kajfez for having a check valve on the final.

Mrs. Estberg, you had so much going on, and yet you still brightened everyone’s day with a smile and some candy.

Finally, thank you Mr. Weiler for teaching me to always “run towards the confusion.”

There’s also so many amazing faculty members behind the scenes that also greatly enhanced my high school experience including the librarians, lunchroom workers, social workers, security guards, and PPS. Shout out to Camille for taking the time to learn the names of everyone who regularly crossed the street at the corner of Winnetka and Essex.

The ending to my high school career was abrupt, and nothing like I expected. Admittedly, I spent the majority of my senior year counting down the days until graduation. Now that I am finally here, saying goodbye was increasingly confusing and difficult.

I am speeding towards the future, and due to the lack of May Day, senior prom, a traditional last day of school, and commencement, it feels as if we missed the chance to get any sort of closure.

However, instead of dwelling on the strange ending, I guess that it’s time to take Mr. Weiler’s advice and run towards the confusion.