I will miss the teachers. Pretty much all of my teachers have taught me different and important aspects of the way life works. I really appreciated how everyone devoted so much time into every student’s success and potential.

I hope that I can be remembered for trying to make a more positive environment. A lot of people become overwhelmed with negativity and things they cannot control. When you reflect and look at the power you do possess, doors fly open.

I remember feeling like nobody could understand me because I view life in a different way based on my personal culture. The moment I opened myself up to see if anyone else saw the same way, I saw that most of us (students) have dreams and want to see each other run with success.

I am most proud of creating the PR Diversity and Unity Club. Finally, we made a community in an area where it feels like there isn’t one. People are open to talking about things that they feel are unappreciated. I hope that the differences we all possess will continue to unify, ultimately.

Next year, I am excited to be in a place that is so different from here: the entire scene of the West Coast. Learning from an array of viewpoints … Also I’m so ready for beautiful weather.

This year I learned to be my whole authentic self no matter what resistance will come my way. A lot of things happened in my life that challenged me, not just this year but in my upbringing as a whole. I learned the power of self control and grit. The absolute test in each of the moments was the test of resiliency. I’d say I passed.