Senior Reflection 2020

Sarah Smail

Sarah S.

 |  May 14, 2020

Editor-in-chief

Dear Class of 2020,

There’s a saying that goes “Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” This year, we weren’t able to say goodbye. We didn’t say goodbye to our friends, teachers, mentors, coaches. But this means that we’ll never forget. And I think that pays the most tribute to our four years at Maine West. Our class has gone through the greatest changes that any class has had in a while. Those changes won’t ever be forgotten, by us or by Maine West, because they changed tradition. And because we never said goodbye, we’ll meet again somehow, whether it be in 2020, or years to come.

I’m never going to forget my teachers. A lot of them, I could even call friends. They were all supportive, unique, passionate, and most importantly, mentors. I’m going to miss you.

I’m never going to forget laughing so hard in my classes because of how comfortable my classmates and I felt with our teachers. I especially won’t forget having a pet cactus named Ferd and somehow having it die on our watch. Seriously, how do you kill a cactus? I’m gonna miss that.

I’m never going to forget what “THE SYMBOL” is. I still have to try those cucumber sandwiches Mr. Gray always talks about. I’m going to miss that swivel chair.

I’m never going to forget how amazing our school productions and casts were to watch! I’ll miss those Saturday nights.

I’m never going to forget my friends. The ones who supported me and even the ones that I learned lessons from. I’ll miss you.

I’m never going to forget the opportunities working on The Westerner has given me. I gained a new family, and I loved every second on the staff. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I’m going to miss everyone.

I’m never going to forget the assemblies, spirit days, homecoming, warrior weeklies, blue and gold Friday, football games, and even the crunch wrap fiasco.

But most importantly, I’m never going to forget the memories. High school memories are full of laughter, joy, tears, stress. You name it and you probably experienced it during high school. I’ll miss it.

I’m not going to pretend and say high school has been all sunshine and rainbow. It hasn’t. There’s been disappointments, a lot of tears, stress, betrayal. But, c’est la vie. Life is unpredictable and all you can do is go with the flow. You need to welcome the light and dark.

The situation we’re all going through now should teach us to seize the day: a perfect lesson to learn as we enter a new stage of life. As we’re thrown into new experiences, just remember to stay true to yourself. Don’t be someone you’re not. Be authentic. Be kind. Be supportive.

I wish good luck to each and everyone graduating as the Class of 2020. You’re amazing people with amazing talent. I wish good luck to everyone we’re leaving behind. We’ll come to visit. Until we meet again.

With love,
Sarah Smail
Westerner editor-in-chief