To The People,
Yesterday was my final day of high school and like most people I lived through the bittersweet feeling that loomed over the grads all day. This was one of my first times going through the 5 stages of grief:
1. Denial: "This can't be happening! It's impossible that I'm done high school!"
2. Anger: "This is stupid! I'm not leaving so everyone just leave me alone!"
3. Bargaining: "I'll do anything to stay! I'll even go back to those awkward grade 7 and 8 years!"
4. Depression: "Just leave me here to wallow in my sadness. Why go on?"
5. Acceptance: "My time is done here but I have more to do so Queen's here I come!"
Thanks Kubler-Ross for giving the framework for the serious emotional roller coaster that I was on yesterday!
We sometimes take high school for granted as well as the memories and the people that accompany it. I have always wanted to make my high school experience something special that I would always remember and cherish. I guess that's why I got involved early on in Student Government and why I continued on to become it's Prime Minister. In order to make a difference in my own life, I had to make a difference in the lives of others. Some people might argue that for four years I was tucked away in my office where every lunch I was crammed with meetings and teachers requiring an explanation for this or a suggestion for that. In the end though, it was by far one of the most enriching and exciting experiences of my life. I was able to have a say at the table on school policy and changes affecting student life, I was able to bring about change and new ideas that would excite students and make them proud of their school. In this final year, I was truly blessed to have such a supportive team around me to make my very large ambitions a reality. Handing over the reigns to my successor is no easy feat. After being on the Student Government for four years and the School Council for three, it's hard to let go when you know you wish to accomplish so much more. I guess that's one of the biggest parts of the job though: Knowing when to let go. I leave behind me something that I am proud of and that student's will appreciate for years to come. I plan on getting involved at Queen's with the same passion and enthusiasm that I had throughout my high school years so watch out Golden Gaels... A change is goin' to come!
Yours,
T
