Even when we begin High School in 9th Grade, we imagine the day when we receive our High School Diploma. For some, though, like me, this vision is becoming an ever-present reality.

            Seniors, as I am, are nearing graduation, with the last day to submit assignments being June 5th, and the official last day of school being June 12th. In recognition of this, I’m filled with excitement, anxiety, and relief.

            The world outside of High School is a vastly different place and where one can find the excitement of increased ability, they find the anxiety in holding increased responsibility. But even then, a degree of relief in knowing that all of the work you’ve committed to learning has truly paid off. Yet, in acknowledging that relief, I must also acknowledge the experience I’ve had throughout High School.

            Throughout this journey, I’ve been able to be both aided and encouraged by the staff here at Agora, with many teachers lending a hand in my achievements and in so doing leaving an impact in my life.

            This begins with the guidance counselors. The guidance counselors I have had were able to provide the support I needed in order to achieve various goals. In 10th Grade, I was grateful to have Mrs. Zeisloft as my guidance counselor and through the support she offered, I was able to receive a Certificate of Achievement Award recognizing my drive to go “Above and Beyond.” Additionally, As I have been a part of the Newspaper Mrs. Zeisloft has sent K-Mails encouraging and complimenting me on my involvement with The Agora Times.

            While in 11th Grade and through my Senior year, I was able to complete the Senior Project in part because of my ability to present my Job Shadowing idea to my guidance counselor, Mrs. Cloud. She and I had then worked to put this idea in place through coordinating meetings and discussing the expectations of the project.

            Of equal importance, I was able to work with Mrs. Lee as a member of The Agora Times. Throughout the progression of the School Newspaper this year, Mrs. Lee has been able to direct operations and aid in any way possible. She has also been able to provide a perspective regarding operations that was essential in guiding the Newspaper forward.

            Similar to the guidance counselors, the teachers I’ve been privileged to know during High School have been important in creating the opportunities I have had and in making me the individual I am today. However, whereas I could note each guidance counselor individually, the number of teachers is too great to name each one and as a result, I will spotlight a few.

            To begin, I acknowledge the impact that teachers involved in my Senior Project have had on me in terms of perception of the teaching career. Last year’s teachers, Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Gussow, and this year’s teachers, Mr. Hwang and Ms. Miller, have been able to provide me with information concerning the daily work schedule of a teacher, the programs used, and an in depth ability to create and present lessons for Live Sessions. As a result, I was able to gain an understanding of teaching that otherwise I wouldn’t have been exposed to.

            Moreover, I have been able to improve my own abilities based on the feedback I’ve received from each teacher, both before and during Senior year. They’ve opened my eyes to new concepts and have been able to provide for me clarifications and supplemental information as required. At the same time, they’ve been able to guide me in further developing myself, my views, and my actions based on their ability to present the material, their perspectives, and their involvement with students, such as myself.

            These teachers and guidance counselors at Agora have given me something that I cannot replace and likely won’t be able to experience again. They have built a foundation for my future and for this, I am forever grateful.

            Furthermore, I’m grateful for the many clubs are capable of becoming involved in. As I mentioned previously, The Agora Times and the staff of teachers and guidance counselors have left a profound impact on me. So too, have the Agora Think Tank and the Advanced Chess Club left impacts on me. In the Agora Think Tank, I was able to discuss issues presented by students in order to discover a solution, while the Advanced Chess Club has changed the way in which I view the game and the way it is played.

            Thus, leaving only one thing left to say, in consideration of all Agora has provided for me through High School and even in years prior, “Thank you!”