Fords,
I can’t thank you enough for the amazing year we’ve had. The success of this year was largely due to all of you. Without the numerous sacrifices and contributions from each of you, this year wouldn’t have been as special. After the success of such a year, I’m feeling three main things.
The first thing is proud. Proud of the fact that this year was so successful. Proud of the numerous sports teams that excelled this year. Many of our teams, like the soccer, water polo, and golf, brought home Inter-Ac championships, on top of us bringing home the sweater for EA Day. Proud of the events the student body organized and did such as our spring musical. Proud of the connections that were formed or strengthened this year. And personally, proud I was able to be a Ford.
The end of the school year is also making me feel sad. Sad mainly for the fact that it’s over. For Sixth Formers, our time here is done. There is nothing more for us to do. We made our mark on the school, now all we can do is hope the current Fifth Form can step up and be better than we did. When you have a good thing going, it becomes extremely difficult to say goodbye. Fifth Formers, your time is now. Embrace this place. Show why this school means so much to you. For underclassmen, it’s time for the next step.
The last thing I’m feeling is nervous. Nervous for the future ahead of me. This school has taught me how to be myself. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without people who reached out their hands to help me when I needed it. I was nervous before coming to this school, so it’s kinda funny how I’m nervous leaving as well.
My goal as student body president was to connect to everyone. I wanted to have connections to all groups in the school to better understand the whole student body. I wanted to be everyone’s friend. Someone they could lean on if they needed.
But now, I’m leaving you guys. We, the seniors, are leaving you guys. I, and the rest of my class, are stepping into places where we will know virtually no one. I know I’m not alone when I say that I’m nervous, just like when I was first coming to Haverford.
I know that someone will reach out their hand for me. And in turn, I must do the same for people who might be in my same situation.
Although, something is different this time. I now have the experience to know what to do moving forward. That thing is to reach out my hand to others, just like people did for me. I’m gonna be alone for a bit in college. I might be down on my luck from difficult days. But, I know that someone will reach out their hand for me. And in turn, I must do the same for people who might be in my same situation.
As for now, you all will be choosing my successor soon. Many of you won’t be at graduation, so this will be my last message. That message is to take the initiative to extend your hand. With every door of opportunity, there is a chance to reach out your hand to keep the door open and step in. Keep reaching out your hand to grab your future. Keep reaching out your hand to friends that need you. Keep reaching out your hand to pull more people close. Keep reaching out your hand to become more of your true self.
It’s going to be hard to always reach out your hand. But as Haverford men, it’s our job to grow while doing things that might be uncomfortable. This school works when everyone is invited into the brotherhood, so take it upon yourself to help yourself and those around you.
I appreciate and love the year we shared together. I hope I made it more special for some of you.
Thank you and Go Fords.
