As I write this letter, I have only five days of high school left, and I am both excited for what’s next and mourning what I’m leaving behind. In just four short years, I’ve found my voice, my people, my life path, and myself. Latin has become home and the people here family, albeit sometimes the kind you love and hate all the same. I am so lucky to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. But before I close the curtains and take my final bow, I wouldn’t be Mel B if I didn’t leave one final message to the next generation of Latin students.
Here is my denouement.
I could not begin to tell my beginning at Latin without addressing the elephant in the room: COVID-19. Although the class of 2024 (and before them the class of 2020) got the worst end of the stick, having virtual and drive-by graduations, the class of 2025 found ourselves in a very unusual first year of high school. Masks and social distancing were still in effect and would not let up until the middle of the second semester. I still find it insane that I had no idea what half of my classmates looked like from the eyes down.
Even worse, I was thrown into a totally unknown environment. I went to a small public middle school in Bronzeville, and no one at my school had followed me to Latin. I knew no one. And so, I spent my first year as many did before me, trying to find belonging in already established friendships and groups and coming out only somewhat successful. I say somewhat because you learn fairly quickly about the fickleness of high school and that truly, nothing lasts forever. However, that sentiment can also be used to describe something beautiful. That same year I would begin my Latin theater and dance career, the first of many, many shows.
To say that the arts saved me would be an understatement. When social circles weren’t working out, I had dance company to fall back on. Walking in every Tuesday and Thursday (although never on time), seeing Durant's “mom” smile, and doing something I loved was fulfilling. Even though I wasn’t nearly as confident then as I am now, I look back on that year and see seeds planted of the young woman I’ve become. Chicago: The Musical would bring me some of my best friends and renew my love for the theater. I was surrounded by so many talented people who made me hungry to improve, to become like them. The arts became something I lived and breathed at Latin. Whether it was a cappella, improv, acting, dancing, or creative writing, I’ve done it all and I can assure you—it. is. so. worth. it. If at the time you’re reading this letter, you’re unsure if you want to step out there and do a play, take a class, or even see a show, do it! I am a firm believer that art is a reflection of the times in our lives and that by engaging in art, you engage in humanity. And even better, you will have a community that truly sees you and cares for you. There are no sweeter people in this world than in the Latin School Performing Arts Department, and words aren’t enough to describe how much I’ll miss them.
They say that high school goes by quickly and that you won’t understand until you’re a senior. This is true. This year has been so amazing in a way that I didn’t expect. In the words of Mr. Faulkner, you can say my theme was: everywhere, all at once. I became a part of Music Club and got the chance to sing one of my favorite songs (shoutout to Arctic Monkeys). I stepped into my role as senior head of the Black Student Union and implemented more community service, mentorship, and education. I was a teacher’s assistant for Middle Eastern and South Asian Literature first semester and Acting Company in the second. I directed a 10-minute play all on my own and got the chance to help my classmates bring their plays to life. I performed my spoken word poetry all around Chicago at open mics and started collaborating with organizations about a potential space for my poetry. I also played really old women in two shows here! The point is, there is no ceiling. The biggest advice that I could leave you is cliche and overused, but rightly so: Try anything and everything. You never know if that one club meeting will help you realize what you want to major in, or if the person you talk to at orientation will become your next best friend, or if that class you take on a whim will be one of the best classes you take in your life.
Take risks. Reach out, and above all else: Stay true to yourself.
And in the words of acclaimed actor and theater practitioner Uta Hagen: “We must overcome the notion that we must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre.”
Exeunt
