One Last Hurrah

10 April 2023Sincerely, Christine L, Mack ‘23

Brentwood’s Third Term season has sprung here on campus: Grade 10s begin to narrow down their future with senior course selections, Grade 11s begin their applications for leadership roles, and Grade 12s are fitted for caps and gowns to pose for their graduating photos.

As a Grade 12 standing on the line ready to cross the border between adolescence to adulthood, I can’t help but reflect on my last semester as a high school senior. This year has been a whirlwind of emotions, full of highs and lows. We have accomplished so much during our years here, from academic achievements to extracurricular successes – and the relationships we have built are some to last the rest of our lives.

The excitement of being a senior is palpable. You are at the top of the school hierarchy amidst the privileges and responsibilities that come with it. We have spent years building friendships, creating memories, and figuring out what we want in our lives. From Grad events, which Grad Class President Hazel L, Allard ‘23 describes as “more than memorable”, to our last night at the Empress, there are so many moments to look forward to and enjoy. The thrill of knowing we are about to graduate and move on to the new adventures makes these experiences that much more invigorating.

However, amidst the celebrations, there is also a bittersweet undertone. This semester is filled with lasts – the last first day of school, the last rival Showcase game against Shawnigan, the last Open House, and the last school dance. I realize that I am saying goodbye to a chapter of my life that I will never get back. The familiarity of hearing Mr Collis shriek in the hallways “Well done! Juju is proud of you!” (Juju is his favourite chicken) after scoring well on a test or assignment, or teaming up to help with homework with people you would have never otherwise met had it not been for your D Block Calculus class, will soon become distant memories.

The halls that I have walked countless times will no longer be my stomping grounds. In two months my peers and I will become just another face making up the wall of alumni in the academic building; a wall of frames that other students stare at as they try their best to postpone class time.

As I watch my friends and classmates go their separate ways, I realize that our paths may diverge but I remind myself that change is inevitable, and as my brother David L, Ellis ‘21 used to say, “Don’t feel guilty letting go of the past to make room for your future.”

Though we may not have always been outstanding, the sense of camaraderie and togetherness within our year has been palpable. With new responsibilities, choices, and opportunities, it all seems daunting but I am confident that surviving the grit it takes to become a Brentwood alumnus has taught us enough valuable life lessons to navigate what lies ahead.

So, my fellow Graduates, the end is near. Let’s finish with a bang.

To our parents, teachers, houseparents, school staff, and everyone who made it possible, we thank you for your dedication, guidance, support, compassion and patience you have had with us. On Closing Day, after we cross the stage and breathe a sigh of relief, we throw our caps to you.

Sincerely, Christine L, Mack ‘23 on behalf of The Class of ‘23