I’d like to start off by thanking New Trier for all the wonderful people that would not have been brought together without this school—teachers, students, PPS, support staff, coaches and more. While our senior year was cut short due to the historic COVID-19 pandemic, it has allowed me to have plenty of time for reflection.
Through this reflection, I’ve realized how much I’ve taken for granted. There are so many everyday things that I thought nothing of while doing. I subconsciously felt entitled to going to the store, hanging with friends, and sitting in a classroom because they were part of my daily routine.
However, with social distancing measures put in place, I’ve realized that there is one thing that I miss the most: conversation.
While we can speak to one another digitally thanks to Zoom and other technologies, I now realize nothing quite feels the same as talking face-to-face with another person. There is something intimate about having a conversation with others—it connects us and makes us feel more human.
To the graduating seniors of New Trier, I truly believe we Gen. Z’s have the capability to surpass the accomplishments of previous generations— not just technologically, but socially.

We have so much to overcome, but I know we can hurdle over any obstacle that comes our way by having open minds and inviting conversation. In digital conversations, we can hide our thoughts and emotions behind our screens. A civil face-to-face conversation forces us to think critically.
Regardless of whether two people disagree at the end of the conversation, they’ve both exercised their greatest asset­—their mind. Conversation allows us to acquire new ways of thinking, making us richer individuals.
It allows us to engage with difficult topics, destroying ignorance. And it helps us to form meaningful relationships, creating a more lively and joyful society.
Some people may claim that simple conversation is unimportant due to lack of time, discomfort, or disinterest. I urge them to reconsider and offer a sentiment from entrepreneur Robert Kiyosaki.
The moment you close your mind and tell yourself you can’t do something, you kill your human spirit. So, why shy away from conversation— something that offers so much to us? If we avoid conversation, we sell ourselves short by ignoring our souls and spirits, the deepest sectors of our being.
Fellow seniors, as sappy as my message may seem, I truly believe that we will learn more if we are willing to listen to and converse with others, but we will also make the world a better place, whether you’re taking a gap year, going to college, advancing your job skills, joining the military, or whatever else,
I ask that we all put our phones down more and seek conversations with others. We have so much to learn from one another. By speaking with our fellow humans, we can arrive at a better understanding of other people and the world around us.
I am immensely grateful for the time I was able to spend at New Trier and for all of the wonderful people I’ve met. I am thankful for my friends, teachers, and all those who have guided me throughout my high school journey.
Also, on behalf of many students, I want to express special gratitude to PPS and support staff. Truly, this wonderful team of people are the foundation of our school. I am so grateful for the friendships I was able to form with them and the time they dedicate towards making New Trier a better place.
There will never be enough words to fully express how blessed I feel to have attended New Trier. I have received a great education and formed incredible connections with others. With a happy heart, I say thank you and goodbye.