A Blast From the Past ...

Today during my Modern Literature class, I stepped out into the library and found principals Debra Dunn and John Gibbons of Woodland School and Weston Middle School. They both immediately recognized me through the dark circles under my eyes, my extra foot or so of height, and my just-let-it-loose hair style I acquired in my more recent (and stressful) years at the high school. Standing with them and my current principal, Anthony Parker, I had one of 'those moments.' (All I needed was Mrs. McQuillin, who was the principal when I went to the Field School!) I immediately realized...

With the last days of my time in the Weston public school system, it is coming to the point for me to reflect and reconnect with the men and women who shaped me over the years into the person I am and the community my peers and I together form. It's crazy to think it's almost all over, but standing there with the principals of the many schools I traversed through during my time here, I felt like it was just yesterday I was getting off the bus and seeing their faces bright and early every morning. 

I was speaking with my guidance councilor, Gretchen Gugliotta, today, thanking her for her (for a lack of a better word) guidance over the years in what now looks like an ephemeral time at Weston High School. (I know, I know, it's not quite done, but blame it on my imminent senioritis!) Anyway, I commented on how the community in which I was raised is what I have to thank for every success and failure that I have encountered. That is what has designed me to be who I am. She responded, "we," the school system, "throw it out there, but it's up to the students to learn and grow in the morals and lessons we teach." For all you parents with young children in the school system, advise them to really take what the school has to offer with open arms. Be receptive to the opportunities they offer and, more importantly, the character-building lessons that will never seem to go away, even if you have to do a little searching yourself.

As I enter the new year, and my last time in Weston schools, I must not lose my grip on what I've learned nor the relationships I have once cherished yet for practical reasons, have not been able to maintain. Most important, I must thank every teacher, custodian, coach, and administrator that I have ever had in my many years in Weston. They shaped me into the student, athlete and person that I am with every time I saw them. In fact ... I better go start on some of those thank-you cards if I want them done by June 1.

So folks, cherish the past, hold tight to the memories, and never get too busy for an overdue conversation. 

Happy Holidays!