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One of the things that you will discover in life is the difference between your avocation and your vocation and that it is one of the wonders of life when the two are one. My vocation is teaching, it certainly pays most of the bills. By third grade, I knew that my calling was to write. Words spin around in my head and in my soul and occasionally spew forth from my fingers as if I am simply the vehicle for an unseen spirit that has inhabited my body. With the calling comes the obsession of finding the precise word; no other will do and the elation at its discovery is electric. With this calling also comes the responsibility of being an evangelist of words, of sharing the beauty of the mosaic of words and the inspiration they combine to convey.
Much, much later in life, I made the marvelous discovery that my other calling was entwined with my vocation. To be able, on a daily basis, to expand my mind in communion with others, to encourage young people to think and to discover, and to feel the joy when I or one of them sees something new, is a thrill equal only to finding just the right word.
So, today, then, is the last day I have to share my words and the beautiful words of others with these wonderful human beings who sit before you about to embark upon their separate paths through forests inhabited with lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
Earlier this year, Darlene Rozzi, Tommy’s and Eddie’s aunt, told me that one of my former students, Amy Rose, from Nuernberg High School, was now her colleague at Seoul Elementary School. Much to my dismay, while I recognized the name immediately, no face came to mind, even after I actually saw her face. I asked her if she had changed much since ninth grade, and, thankfully, she had, so I was somewhat off the hook. Over 1800 children have now passed through my classroom, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to remember names and faces and almost impossible to sometimes put the two together.
Today, when you look at the person on your right and at the person on your left, you may believe that you will always be able to connect that face and that name, but the Tralfamadorian train of time sometimes carries away what you think you will always know and that face remains trapped in the amber of the moment.
As Robert Penn Warren wrote in All the King’s Men, “The Friend of Your Youth is the only friend you will ever have, for he does not really see you. He sees in his mind a face which does not exist any more, speaks a name—Spike, Bud, Snip, Red, Rusty, Jack, Dave—which belongs to that now nonexistent face but which by some inane and doddering confusion of the universe is for the moment attached to a not too happily met and boring stranger. But he humors the drooling doddering confusion of the universe and continues to address politely that dull stranger by the name which properly belongs to the boy face and to the time when the boy voice called thinly across the late afternoon water or murmured by a campfire at night or in the middle of a crowded street said, “Gee, listen to this—‘On Wenlock Edge the wood’s in trouble; His forest fleece the Wrekin heaves—‘” The Friend of Your Youth is your friend because he does not see you any more.
And perhaps he never saw you. What he saw was simply part of the furniture of the wonderful opening world. Friendship was something he suddenly discovered and had to give away as a recognition of and payment for the breathlessly opening world which momently divulged itself like a moonflower.”
This year in class, we read Tim O’Brien’s first chapter of The Things They Carried. In it he describes what the members of a platoon during the Vietnam War carried in their rucksacks and how much each item weighed. What differentiated these soldiers, who all carried basically the same accoutrements of war, what separated them from “the river of humanity flowing through that war,” were the letters, and the mementos, and the pictures that allowed them to also carry with them hope for the future.
Like O’Brien’s soldiers, and like Robert Penn Warren’s Friend of Your Youth, and like the Tralfamadorians choosing only the pleasant moments to view, and like your picture in the yearbook, your face and your name as they are today, are forever trapped in the amber of this moment. When you are older and your memory begins to pale, as it will, and you walk into my classroom to say hello, here is the image I will recall and here are the things that each of you carry as you graduate from Seoul American High School. Will Carter will later ask with great perplexity, once again, how I know all this “stuff.” The secret, Will, is this—your friends rat you out.
Matt Carrizales carries a package of note cards, each containing a fellow student’s name, as a reminder to always be alert when the teacher calls on you, and that even an incorrect answer is a better thought than, “I don’t know.” You forever carry with you the responsibility for these index cards.
Some students, the three or four who managed to escape me, I have just met in the past couple of weeks. They know better than I what they will carry.
Ho Jun Kim carries with him the desire to change his first name, “Ho,” when in the society of people who speak ebonics. From here on, he carries the desire that all his teasing friends call him, “Mr. Kim.”
Emily Berrios carries with her—in her words—her brutal honesty and her dream of becoming a first grade teacher on military bases overseas.
Brendan Weir carries his future as an aerospace engineer and as a proud member of the military. He also carries his Eagle Scout with 4 Eagle Palms, his service to his community, and his motto that anything is possible with God.
Some students I will remember because of their strength and achievement in the face of adversity and tremendous challenge. As Edmund Burke said, “Adversity is a severe instructor, set over us by one who knows us better than we do ourselves, as he loves us better, too. He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. This conflict with difficulty makes us acquainted with our object, and compels us to consider it in all its relations. It will not suffer us to be superficial.”
John Ballantyne carries a cast on his leg and his hospital records and the ability to succeed despite both.
Da Mi Kim proudly carries her diploma after overcoming tremendous physical pain to do so.
James Thorn carries with him his diploma and the great love he has shown for his sisters.
Linda Thorn carries my thanks for her help this year, her dream of attending college precisely where she wants to go, and the deep love and bond with her brother and sister.
Jaime Rose Watson Helm, whom I have known since she was seven, (as she says, “waaaay too long”) carries a picture of a Buddhist monk to remind her that while 90% is okay, 110% is what she has to give to others. She also carries her porcelain beauty and her grace, the tremendous love of her mother, and my deep respect for surviving what most of us will never even face.
Emmanuel Mercado carries in his kind and gentle heart the memory of hi first true love, always as fragile as the most exquisite exotic flower, a memory that will never fade.
Karey Park carries his dream, kept alive despite changes in his life that he did not allow to discourage him. Daniel Chicko and Karey Park also carry their romantic profiles from Ms. Pell’s Whiteboard date match.com along with the sweetness of their natures. At their thirty year high school reunion, all the women will be wishing they had married them.
Some students stand out because of the dreams they dare to dream. Woodrow Wilson said, “We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter’s evening. Some of use let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.”
Kim Cooper carries her dream of becoming a fashion designer and her vision of people as unique works of art with incredible meaning behind their lines and colors.
Monica Padua carries with her her filo dough, her rolling pin, her ambition to be a fabulous pastry chef in Italy or on a cruise ship, and her promise to me to always cut salads into bite-sized pieces.
Betts White carries her dream of working for NASA and some day reaching the luminous spaghetti of the stars.
Jataun Moore carries her drama queen role on center stage at prom and her tremendous acting ability. May she reach a different type of star.
Sarah Bradford carries with her the knowledge that she produced one of the best Slaughterhouse Five projects I have ever received, her acceptance to Stanford, and her dream of joining Doctors Without Borders.
Pagen Clark carries, along with her pom-poms and bright smile, her dream of becoming a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading Squad.
Phillip Douglas carries his wish that his teachers remember him as a quiet, young man, nearly corrupted by the yayhoos in my seminar class, who did everything necessary to excel as an outstanding student. He also carries his dream of becoming an Air Force colonel or general.
Everywhere he goes, Josh Bornowski carries his guitar, which he learned to play this year and which is the only item he’s taking to college. He also carries his dream of saving animals in Third World countries, just because he loves animals.
I think the words of others speak best for what the next students carry: All parents and teachers can identify with Franklin P. Jones, who said, “You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.”
Many kids can identify with Oscar Wilde, who said, “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.”
Matt Leroux, who returned to Nebraska to finish high school, carried with him like a badge of honor his rebellious personality.
Linus Lee carries his portfolio of articles published in the Morning Calm and his humiliation at falling asleep during the AP Literature exam.
Speaking of the AP exam, James Choi carries with him his cell phone which disturbed the entire test, his lecture in the kitchen from Ms. McHan, his terrific knowledge of history, and his acceptance at the new Mexico Military Institute.
Arthur Eddy carries his pool cue and a great sense of humor.
Elizabeth Meyer carries three new alarm clocks and her mastery of the one-handed clap.
Corey Fisher carries his dream of becoming a brilliant aerospace engineer and the keys to his father’s disappearing van.
Jennifer Jackson carries her terrific scholarly ability and her terrifically booming voice that can carry from the main building to the gym.
Katherine Meyer carries her shortie for life stature and her confession that she jumped out my window onto the roof. Luckily for her, she has cheerleading skills so that she could jump back in.
Haydn Campbell carries the story of how his father named all of his children, his reputation in basketball and for flirting, and the lesson that even if you really believe your brother is smarter than you, you still could have gotten an A in AP!
Brandon Bintliff and Bill Hemming together carry all the hats, CD players, and MP3 players confiscated from them during the year and possibly the senior record for slipping out of the most classes.
Poor Justin Hollander carries seriously his assignment as Chris Cumber and Daniel Creed’s babysitter to same them from temptation, his long list of girlfriends, and his duty as kind big brother to many. He also carries a promise to his new college roommate that even though he is half Korean, he still loves cats and dogs—at pets, not meals.
Janet Song carries the distinction of being the only Homecoming princess to not be crowned, because she was late for the event. She also carries with her the pride of her parents in being the first of her sisters to graduate.
Ricky D. Kim, a member in good standing, carries his vivid and horrid nightmare of the Hilgar incident. Seems Coach Hilgar is a bloodhound swift after skippers having caught the guys in front of Falcon Gym, Gate 19, Collier Gym, and in a Korean supermarket. He’s everywhere, he’s everywhere!
Another member of the Palmer gang, Christopher Palmer, carries memories of wild rides in the golf carts at the driving range—after hours.
Erica Tarver carries a balance in her tardies—it doesn’t matter what period it was, she was tardy. She also carries a purse full of food and her deep devotion to chocolate pies. Finally, she carries a strong awareness of the “you” she was and the “you” she has become. Someday, she should have a barbeque under the trees and see what those yous have to say to one another.
Andrew Woodruff carries his 6-8 traffic tickets in one and a half years, his wanted poster, and his suspended driver’s license from the State of New York. He also carries the scars from skidding off his mo-ped onto his face thereby almost ruining his claim to be “the cutest student I have ever had.” He carries his promise to get rich, and then to buy me a new car. But the most important treasure he carries is the message in his yearbook from his father saying what it felt like to hold him when he was a baby.
Will Carter carries the record for being the senior most often grounded by his parents for just cause. He also carries the picture of himself that mysteriously showed up on my computer. He carries one set of autographed chop sticks, an angelic look that hides a devilish sense of humor, and an hysterical essay about his English teacher. And, if customs searches his luggage, they will find that “HE’S GOT TWEEZERS!”
There are several students who carry with them talents that make the human heart soar. There are the people who civilize us and make us dream outside of ourselves. These carry with them the words of Arthur William Edgar O’Shaughnessy, “We are the music-makers, we are the dreamers of dreams.”
Ahmi Sung carries the honor of being Ms. Lee’s student of the year, her baritone sax, and great music in her heart.
Joel Lee carries the knowledge that stature does not make the man. He might want me to remember his stature. I will remember the creativity that bubbled out of him in his wonderful drawings.
Josh Marsi carries his most valuable player satus for the 2004 baseball season and his tremendous love for composing contemporary music on both the computer and the piano.
Della Ragonese carries in her beautiful voice the songs of angels. She also carries her laugh, always accompanied by her need to slap someone while she is laughing.
Amanda Manino carries her skills at ghetto art and ebonics. “Whassup heffa give mama sum love.” She also carries her many years of involvement with Renaissance and my screams of, “We need you for the bulletin board!”
Jesse Thompson carries his love of drawing cartoons and for playing hellacious blues on his harmonica. He carries with him the harmonicas he taught himself to play because he inherited them from his beloved grandfather. He also carries the scent on the harmonicas of his grandfather’s tobacco.
“When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.” (Patrick Overton)
Some students I will remember with utter respect for the strength of their convictions. Melissa Doyon, Boyd Hirata, and sweet, little Rose Rauhauser carry with incredible dignity their personal values. They listen to and discuss with great diplomacy other beliefs and ideas without ever wavering in their faith.
Steve Scott carries memories of being up-close and personal with Vice President Dick Cheney. He carries himself as a gentleman with gentle humor in any political debate while retaining his unwavering belief in his political ideals. He also carries this shout-out, “GO BUSH!!”
On the other end of the spectrum is Kayla Staples, who carries her equally strong conviction, “GO AWAY, BUSH!!” In addition, she carries the flowering of new philosophies and the strength of personality to forge ahead in the absolutely right direction.
Danny Mhun carries with him an incredible conscientiousness and dedication to finishing the task at hand, the values that are necessary for success.
Janalee Staples, the “little Mormon girl,” carries her parents’ strong belief in her. They do not fear, nor does she, that her character will be corrupted by new and different ideas. She carries with her her curiosity and her desire to make her life the best that it can be.
Some students I will remember because they carry with them, even at this age, their own peculiar eccentricities. As Henry David Thoreau said, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”
Ezra Taimanglo carries his wild fashion sense and a head of hair that can be twirled into any shape without the benefit of gel.
Lisa Dewalt carries her wonderful creativity, her great sense of humor, and her secret identity as Walter Mitty, paid assassin.
Alex Temporado carries his memories of prom, his future as a college student in Arizona, a map of Arizona that shows mostly desert, his love of surfing, his desire to become a pro in the sport, and my advice that he move just a bit closer to the ocean!
Luke Milburn carries his total understanding and total hatred of Slaughterhouse Five, his wonderful knowledge of philosophy and the Bible, and a cup of coffee to drink with Jonathan Croy.
According to Anthony Turninski, he carries a feigned intelligence supported by technical speaking and fancy cursive. He almost carried this card to turn into me, but we entrusted that job to Yun Voelker instead. He also carries my belief that he will love college and that his intelligence is far from feigned.
Alex Meredith carries a suitcase filled with his beloved heavy metal music and heavy metal clothes, his handsome smile, and his analytical mind.
Krystal Bednar carries her quiet classroom conversations with Jerry Williams, her partner in crime, which I did indeed hear over the occasional classroom chaos. She also carries copies of parent-teacher e-mails and her recent artwork which caused her to critcally acclaim, “It’s not me! It looks psychotic! My mother will freak!”
Jerry Williams, the other half of the partners in crime, carries his guitar, his “PG” rated Tralfamadorian, his interest in Milenko and Freak (don’t ask—I don’t have a clue), and the wonderful animation on his internet English project.
Many students stand out for the kindness of their spirits or the flash of their smiles. “The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions—the little, soon forgotten charities of a kiss or smile, a kind look, a heart-felt compliment, and the countless infinitesimals of pleasurable and genial feeling.” (Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
Jay Bariun carries with him the promise that I will remember that, although he was never in my class, he always dropped by to say “hello,” and cheer up my day with his smile. He carries with him, as well, the faces of all the many, many people he knows wherever he goes.
Ronisha Shivers carries with her her two personalities: Ronisha “Shivers” carries no watch, so she is ALWAYS late. Ronish Shivers carries with her a sweet, warm heart that always makes sure EVERYONE dances at prom.
Sony Griffin carries her incredible conscientiousness as a student and her willingness to always volunteer to help others, whether it be the younger children at June Jamboree or other students in her class.
Christina Moring carries a personality that brightens up the room and a laugh that is contagious.
Peter Orrahood carries with him a copy of Slaughterhouse Five because he actually understood the book and my thanks for all the times he offered to help when he really didn’t have to.
Donna Knipper carries the needs of others before her own and the gift of being able to make other people laugh.
Demeka Daniels carries her crown as prom royalty, her correct grade in English (finally!), and her beautiful, beautiful face which really did bring light into my life every time I saw her.
One of the rewards of teaching is this: Sometimes in the classroom, I am able to discern, perhaps not the exact second of insight, but the process by which it occurs. As Arthur Gordon said: “Nothing in life is more exciting and rewarding than the sudden flash of insight that leaves you a changed person—not only changed, but for the better.”
Kyong Choi carries with her the quilters’ motto I will share with her that only God can create perfection. Quilters purposefully make a mistake so as not to offend God. Kyong carries her striving for perfection and hopefully the insight to always leave one miniscule imperfection in everything she does.
Jake Abramowitz, who early on proclaimed himself to be “My Favorite Jew,” says he wants me to remember his suave and breathtaking pick-up lines. I assign to him to carry with him a hunger to discover his rich heritage and the fortitude to object to any assault on that heritage. And, in your words, Jake, I will remember you “just as a person.”
Robert Hjuler carries his discoveries that his achievements make him feel good, that he thinks at a higher level and outside of the box, that he can accept and analyze other people’s opinions, and that he couldn’t have done it without his parents.
Marco Cabiao carries with him the hard lesson learned that when your mom tells you to eat your food because people are starving all over the world, he should never sarcastically reply, “Then why don’t you send it to them?” He also makes sure to always carry with him a Mothers’ Day card so she will always know how glad he is that she is his mother. Don’t worry, Marco, she will never allow you to become pompous!
After breaking every parental rule imposed about riding his moped and thereby ending up in the emergency room, Christian Palmer carries a deep appreciation for rules, regulations, and honesty toward those who truly do have his best interests at heart—his parents. He also carries the knowledge that his dad shows all the pictures in his wallet to his teachers at Open House.
Amy Yarbrough carries her junior class “Astronaut’s Wife” hair cut and her potential to be the next Martha Stewart. Unlike Martha Stewart, however, Amy carries the knowledge that people in Appalachia are many times happier than people who carry Gucci purses.
Leo Neiwieroski carries with him all the achievements and honors that have come to him simply because at that one moment strapped to the lattice and looking down that six-foot pipe while the time train moved up and down, he made the conscious decision that we all have to make to chose right over wrong and success over failure. He also carries with him a surname that no one but he will ever spell correctly.
Toni Riddick carries with her, from what I see, a developing interest in really becoming one with a good book and, with that, comes the discovery that when she, almost in a whisper, voices her opinion in class, she is usually right.
Yun Voelker carries with her a bumper sticker that says, “Just Say ‘No’” to symbolize her insight that even though she has a soft heart and a desire not to disappoint or hurt anyone, she will say no when saying yes will, in the long run, be the wrong answer. She also carries my eternal thanks for my stress-reliever kit that instructs me to “Bang Head Here!”
Herald Oertwig carries his talent for clandestine operations, the weight of his tattoos and body piercings, his strange outfits, and the knowledge that sometimes you can hate what you read because in destroying part of your ignorance, it also destroys a part of your innocence. He now carries with him the task of solving that problem.
Alvin Wilkins, former wild child who tried his mother’s patience immeasurably, carries with him his copy of The Boys Next Door. This worn and well-loved script revealed a side of Alvin not even Alvin knew was there. No one could even guess when he was a freshman that by his senior year he would be walking the halls spouting Shakespeare. He carries with him the line spoken by his character, Lucien P. Smith: “But I will not go away. And I will not wither because the cage is too small. I am here to remind the species of the species. I am Lucien Percival Smith. And without me, without my shattered crippled brain, you will never again be frightened by what you might have become. Or indeed, by what your future might make you.”
Many students are posed in still photographs of times wherein they impressed me with their wisdom or made me roll on the ground with laughter or allowed me a glimpse of their compassionate souls. I can look at these pictures whenever I want and they won’t change. They are not “grainy things, soot and chalk.” (Vonnegut) They can’t be just anybody.
Nikki Cagler carries the lyrics to the “Ugly Song” she performed in last year’s Renaissance assembly with Sheriah Taua and Chelsi Butler: “Ya momma said you ugly—ya daddy said it, too. When you look in the mirror, yo face be like, be like, face be like BOO!”
Kim Johnston carries an essay on pigeon excrement and the secret to where pigeons go on Friday night, and the highest score for rebellion against authority of all seniors on the Oklahoma Learning Styles battery.
Whitney Blain, as her alter ego “Gum Girl,” carries an extra set of clothes in case she ever again gets stuck to her chair by the sticky substance.
Brandon Church carries his skill and dedication to wrestling, his adoration of Coach Harden, and his membership in the coach’s “Big Water Head Children Club.”
Courtney Lofton, a deprived child from the perspective of those who must consume chocolate, carries well her beauty and her new found love of fudge!
Alex Kim carries his great skills at wrestling, his acceptance at West Point, his shy demeanor, the incongruous nickname “Spike” bestowed upon him by Mr. Boyd, his choice of Bacchus or Dionysus as his Greek and Roman god project, which demonstrated his quirky sense of humor.
Susan Anderson carries the impetus for an e-mail saga that saved me from an ugly portrayal in the 2004 yearbook, secret codes, and her reputation as a stalker who, along with Samantha Kleckner, followed the Australian soccer team around Inchon Airport.
Samantha Kleckner carries, along with Siamese twin, Susan Anderson, the wonderful yearbook over which they slaved as editors, her last but definitely not least place in the dynasty of Kleckner sisters who have passed through my classroom, our chats about guys, and her assignment as Will Carter’s babysitter because I seem to think that she always knows where he is.
Richard C. Kim and Michelle Bronson both carry the magic eye you need to become great photographers and, I hope, wonderful memories of the time we spent in the Japanese cemetery and walking the streets of Tokyo. Richard also carries his deep sleep on the floor of senior lobby while Michelle carries the infamous statement of the lost: “Did they eat dog? Or was it a squirrel? Oh my god, it was a squirrel!”
Nick Mancini carries one-fourth of the responsibility for fixing my erstwhile computer, a complete “owie” list for which I will supply bandaids and alcohol pads, a staple remover for his hand, and his swims in the Han River.
Linsey Munstion carries, along with me, our total disgust at lack of common sense, her participation in the National Cheerleading Association Invitational, her task of keeping Jake out of trouble in English class, and her daily smile as she passed by me in “Pell Park.”
Nick Kim carries his responsibility as co-president of Renaissance, fond memories of student store—ugh—pictures of his girl gang, shredding whole turkeys in my kitchen, and lots of money to replace my antique chair that he sat down upon and splintered to smithereens.
Rebecca Wellons carries with her a temporary “F” in math class for not bribing Ms. Beckham with her famous Wellons’ Brownies, the notoriety of saying a “bad word” in English in front of an NCA evaluator as a sacrifice to a great class discussion, and a Slaughterhouse Five book with more post-its than pages thus demonstrating her tremendous organizational skills.
Daniel Shin carries his keimdo weapons, the glorious reminder of his performance at the Renaissance assembly, and the goal of a return match in which he might actually kick Andrew Shin’s butt instead of the other way around.
Michelle Park carries her horrible allergy to my cats, her four years devotion to Renaissance, and her participation in the Montana Wildhack cracked chest English project.
Rochelle Pennington carries, hidden somewhere, the words she totally forgot when I called on her, her secret rebellion, flyers taped on the bathroom stalls, and her terrific essay which began, “Many years later, he remembered his first experience with ice.”
Alicia Davis carries the embarrassment of accidentally sending me a copy of an e-mail she was sending to boyfriend Travis Galloway. In this was revealed his nickname for her, “Snickerdoodle,” which I now reveal to you. She also carries a deep love and respect for all that her mother has done.
Grace Lee carries her second grade picture of her car with the flat tire, her essay on how her personality resembles a blender and a ping-pong ball flying all over the place fanatically, and her tremendous love and concern for her younger sister.
Melissa Paek no longer carries her green card once she figured out she never really had her U.S. citizenship before. She carries her undying betrayal of Renaissance for that meager little job on Ms. Wilkins’ Student Council Association. How could you, Melissa!?
Mary Kim carries her ambivalence to and fear of the word “boyfriend,” She also carries her speed and agility as a sophomore at escaping five very large alumni guys under orders to stuff her in a trash can filled with ice water. Once they finally caught her, one giant holding each of her fragile-looking limbs, she twisted and clawed until she escaped again, weaving all over the picnic area like a swift gazelle. Finally, though, the prey was captured, so she carries the memory of her very cold dunking and the fact that we all laughed until it hurt. She also carries her hairy legs and sweat socks she wore to prom and the only advice I can leave with her about guys—“What about Nick?”
Ron Killebrew carries a box of Kleenex for his mom, aspirin for his dad, utter and warm compassion and love for his uncle, and, I hope, the memory of our many discussions about how war can indelibly warp the spirit of a young man.
The saying “Friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together” has been attributed to two great leaders, Winston Churchill and Woodrow Wilson, who both witnessed the devastation of WWII. On the other side is Bruno Jasienski, who said, “Do not fear friends. At worst, they may betray you,” which is a really nice way of saying that if Ms. Pell wants to know your deepest, darkest secrets, your friends will always rat you out.
Monica Gibson carries her love of gossiping with friends about everyone and everything and her favorite quotes of the year: “Should we skip today?” and “We grown now!”
Jill Smith carries her friendship with Annalissa Colombo, who is not known for her subtlety. Annalissa’s first reaction upon meeting Jill was, “This chick is too quiet to be fun,” (and I’m editing). However, Annalissa soon discovered that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Jill carries a friendliness that allows her to start up a conversation with anyone, a heart that never leaves anyone behind or feeling left out, and the uncanny ability to find any place that is playing the song “Milkshake,” her favorite dance.
Chris Lee carries, according to one of his friends, all the comic books he loves to read and an incredible conscientiousness and urge to do well academically. For the AP Stats final project, he chose to calculate the nutritional value of Subway—a difficult task because of the myriad choices the restaurant offers. Chris carries his A and an acceptance to Purdue.
Roy Woo carries his grade in English after finally giving me his project, his eternal gratitude to Ms. Brogan and Mr. Hipplewith, and the definition of his last name: Woo. 1. to achieve; try to gain OR 2. to seek affection with intent to romance. He says either one works.
Andrew Shin, despite his exterior and blatant goofiness, carries his acceptance to Virginia Tech and his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, especially now that he knows the difference between capitalism and communism.
Melinda Luciano carries with her the memory of her sister, Mary Ahn, depantsing her in front of all her friends and the boys’ soccer team.
Dukmin Park carries the ability to always entertain his friends. For example, one time they were all very tired from riding the train, so, to rev them up again, Dukmin jumpedoff the train and performed sit-ups and push-ups on the track.
Jae Kim carries with him his egg yo talents—that’s Korean for cute but whiney—which he uses, along with the bribery of back rubs and downright begging to get girls to give him the answers in Mr. Boyd’s class.
Seong Kim carries his talent at rap, my home phone number on speed dial, and a picture of the Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney. He also carries, now that he has graduated, the past tense of his name, Sang, as a gift from Ms. “Wheel” Kuehl.
Years ago, my female yearbook editor said to me about a couple of her coworkers, who happened to be best friends and male, “The two of them share a brain and one of them is missing.” This led to the establishment of the traditional annual neuron network. Every network needs a leader. This year, Justin Bliss carries that title and the responsibility of controlling “the brain” and his four friends who seem to share it. He probably is stuck with this awesome task because, in living up to his last name, Bliss, he is the only one not bouncing off the walls. He also carries my constant admonition of “Stop touching each other,” when they are constantly wrestling in senior lobby and the other, “Justin, you gotta get some new friends!”
While appearing as angelic as her name, Angela Novak carries with her the corruption of Jaime Helm and sunbathing on the roof with Justin Hollander.
Andrew Kim carries a belt to keep his pants from falling off on stage during “It’s Raining Men,” at the Mr. SAHS pageant, his desire to walk up 21 flights of stairs with Grace Lee, and meaningful conversations like:
Andrew: “It’s Monday.”
Grace Lee: “No, it’s Tuesday.”
Andrew: No, it’s Monday.”
Grace Lee: “No, it’s Tuesday.”
Andrew: “I know.” Hehe
Joanna Terry carries with her the reputation among her friends of, despite her always loving nature, being a horribly scary driver, probably because she is always doing a very ugly dance behind the wheel while driving. She also carries with her no desire to ever eat a vegetable.
According to several anonymous sources, Nara Olson only has two facial expressions, the one she uses with peers and the other, a look of total fright, the one she uses when any adult speaks to her. This is especially true when Mr. Boyd bellows, “Olson, answer the questions!”
Dennis Kendrick carries a video production of “Listless Day” in which he recorded himself and his friends doing really stupid stuff such as sledding off a ramp.
Jennifer Tucker, who carries the dream of moving to Italy to design clothes and shoes, apparently falls of her own shoes all the time. So, Jennifer. Design me flats!
Easy going, debonair Garrick Pennington carries invitations to the very best open house parties at his place. He also carries a roll of paper towels to clean up after anyone who loses his lunch.
Jennifer Kim carries a bottle of vivid neon pink nail polish for her fingers and toes, which might actually glow in the dark since her friends could spot her from a mile away.
Jio Bruce carries her tremendous athletic ability along with the biggest bruise in Seoul American High School history. She also carries heavy duty disposable razors and friends who really will help her shave her legs.
Jasmine Smith carries with her her many friends—but not in her car—which is apparently the messiest, hottest car on the planet. It is so full that there is no room to sit and you can’t slide the seat back. Several people also report having piles of her personal possessions in their homes.
Colin Disparte carries his reputation among his friends as a really good skater. In fact, he so wants to achieve perfection in his sport that occasionally he gets angry and stomps his board in half. His friends then laugh—but not too much. He also carries his long hair and his fifteen pairs of new shoes.
Gina Kim carries in her down-to-business way her two years as Renaissance treasurer as well as her own version of the immensely popular and up-to-date dance, the “C” Walk.
Kelly White carries memories of her friends that will never die. And, like most of us, her memories are of simple times doing the same things over and over—going to the movies, hanging out at each others’ houses, eating at the Townhouse, shopping at the PX, and greeting each other every morning at school.
Each year, a few students emerge who inspire me with their writing. They write words I wish I had written. “Write only if you cannot live without writing. Write only what you alone can write.” (Elie Wiesel)
Although always excelling at writing from her logical mind, Anna Bianco wants to carry poetry with her as well, so she carries her independent study of the art. May she always carry with her the desire to find in her soul the exactly perfect words for her vignettes.
Artemis Richardson, with his incredible genius and his talents in art and writing, carries with him the possibility of becoming a true Renaissance man. He carries an amazing analytical ability, a rare and unique perspective, my favorite Harrison Bergeron essay, and his distinction as the creator of “Commie Girl” cartoons.
Sarah Kaiser carried the responsibility of organizing the senior trip to Thailand. She also carried the responsibility of being one of the chief editors of the high school newspaper. As a journalist, she carried the lesson of always discovering the true heart of what a person tells her—the real message—the core—and she accepted this lesson with true grace. She also carries the fabulous essay she wrote about herself entitled, “A Flawless Figure,” in which she said, “Although flawed, I am perfect at being me.” This is a lesson from the young that we should all carry.
Janice Rogers carries a beautiful and heartfelt essay she wrote about her hero, her older brother, Brandon, who has so influenced her. She carries with her the obligation to share her words with him, even thought she is reluctant. Today would be a good day to do so.
In high school, when the generation gap never seems so wide, Bryan Williams interviewed his father about the things he carried in the first Gulf War. Bryan carries with him this unforgettable experience of getting to know his father that many never have.
Students constantly try to figure out what exists in the minds and lives of their teachers. For some unknown reason during this particular year with this particular class, I decided to share my belief in the instantaneous recognition of kindred spirits, a rare occurrence, foreshadowed by a bolt of electricity that passes through the human soul. From that point, you share between you a vision of the cosmos. Every year, while I feel a bond with all of my students, there are those few who, while they will always remain your children, are also the children of a part of my soul.
Will Parker carries the eyes and wisdom of an old soul. He carries a charismatic quality and a serenity of spirit that few so young possess. May he carry these qualities forward in an effort to bring peace to whatever corner of the earth he chooses to inhabit.
Analissa Colombo and Karin Curtis carry with them their adoption by my rebellious soul. They carry their almost unattainable desire for justice. They carry their strong compassion for humanity behind sometimes uncontrolled outbursts of harsh truths and dogmatic statements misconstrued by others. They carry with them the task of learning to temper their brutal honesty with diplomacy, a hard lesson I have yet to learn, so as to truly change the world.
Hannah Lee, you carry my threat that maybe it’s not too late to flunk you so you don’t graduate, so I can have you organize my life for the third year in a row. You carry with you today my admiration of your organizational skills, you ability to know what is required before anyone asks, the 150% you give to everything you do, and your serenity in the eye of every storm. You also carry away my deepest thanks and my love.
To the Class of 2004, I assign you to carry the following admonitions:
We live in dangerous and exciting times. Always be aware of what is happening in the world around you. If you appear, ever, on Jay Leno’s “Jay Walking” because you never read a newspaper, I will hunt you down.
Never close your eyes, like the Tralfamadorians, on the unpleasant moments and choose complacency. Instead, make a difference, change the things you can change and, above all, never become cynical enough to respond, “So it goes.”
“You carry away with you a reflection of me, a part of me. I dreamed you. I wished for your existence. You will always be a part of my life. If I love you, it must be because we shared, at some moment, the same imaginings, the same madness, the same stage.” (Anais Nin, Henry and June)
Finally, to your parents, I give the words from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran:
“On Children”
And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, "Speak to us of Children."
And he said:
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and
He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
So He loves also the bow that is stable.
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