By Amelia Chen
My entire Oak Hall experience has been nothing short of wonderful. As a freshman who has been attending Oak Hall since kindergarten, leaving will not be easy. Because of my dad’s job, we are relocating to Texas.
Ever since I started at Oak Hall, people have yet to fail to be welcoming and loving to the students. Because I attend this school, I have met the best friends ever. It has a family-like environment, almost like a small town where everyone knows everyone. I’m going to miss this greatly and hope to find something similar at my new school.
The saying “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” resonates so much with me now. I used to complain about having uniforms, assemblies, so much work, and just anything I didn’t love about the school. But the truth is, those were just little things the school had to make us better, to teach us life lessons, and to strengthen us in academics. I was ungrateful for this, but it really is an incredible school. I’m not saying it is perfect. It is not. It has its flaws just like any other school. But I am so glad I’ve been at Oak Hall and not somewhere else.
This school has made me a better student and a better person. Leaving as someone who would be a lifer if I had stayed through senior year is emotional and more difficult than I can imagine.
Another aspect I know I am going to miss so much as I go off to a new state and a new school is the varsity volleyball team that I have been part of for four years. The girls have been a family to me and reminded me why I love the sport so much. For the majority of those four years, I have had an amazing coach who has believed in me and pushed me to be greater. The best thing about this team is there isn’t drama, and we all get along. Whether it is getting a noise complaint in a hotel or screaming to Taylor Swift lyrics at the top of our lungs as we practice. I look forward to fall every year because of volleyball.
Lastly, for the entirety of my years, I have had exceptional teachers who have taught me not only what is laid out in the curriculum but also life lessons. These adults have been mentors in my life, and they don’t get enough credit.
I am going to miss what is here, but I know that it’s going to be all right in the end. I will never forget all the incredible memories I have made.