I know unequivocally the effect my time at Brownell has had on me thus far, but it of course remains to be seen just how my time here will shape my life, and my progression as a person. 

These days we, the seniors, seem to exist in a strange state of transition. The majority of us either know where we are going to college, or are deciding between options. There are fewer than 40 days until May 18th, our last day, and our final weeks are spent musing with one another on the times that are to come. Musing, or of course, carrying on as normal. But times for us have never felt quite so abnormal. In its abnormality, however, this time seems right for reflection. Having spent the last fifteen years at a school like Brownell Talbot, I have gained wisdom and experience I can’t be sure that I would have otherwise. At least, I have amassed what I can. 

Perhaps the greatest lesson I’ve learned in fifteen years at this school—and especially the last four—is that some ticket to happiness is finding contentment with change, the change itself, as well as the inevitability of future change. Such is the ephemeral nature of our lives, the world, and our relative dearth of time. A year ago my college plans were murky. I had an ACT score, one AP score, a hodgepodge of activities and hobbies, and a rough hewn collection of schools I knew I wouldn’t be miserable attending. Only a short year later, I am happy with where life has led me. A weight is lifted in the development of a plan, however there is value in the searching and in the waiting.

Juniors: it will be difficult, but try not to disregard this time as a useless and tireless slog of waiting and worrying. Also, don’t worry too much about “making the most” of your time. Coming of age movies are a lie, and however your time is spent it will be good and it will be right. Ultimately, try not to worry. And don’t worry about worrying. I have found that things have a way of working themselves out. If things don’t work themselves out, there is usually room for a pivot. Make a change, try something new, and don’t be afraid to do what is right for you.

Freshmen and Sophomores: don’t let the lamentations of the upperclassmen ruin your image of the next few years. There will be experiences to be had, things to learn, and moments to remember, all however small or seemingly insignificant. I think that is all we can expect of the time that we have.

To the middle schoolers—there is plenty of time before you graduate, but it goes faster than you think. I can still remember, and maybe you can too, being in lower school and thinking about how far away middle school seemed. Try to enjoy you time—however you feel about it, you will never be in middle school again. Also: high school is better.

It is strange to think in a month and a half the efforts and day-to-day business of fifteen years will reach its end for the thirty of us. Brownell has prepared us well for our futures, so that we may join years worth of Brownell Talbot alumni. I do hope that we are remembered well—I am sure that we will remember BT well.