Upper School Newsletter - May 4, 2022

It has been quiet this week without the Class of 2022. They are off working on their senior projects, journaling about their experiences and preparing for their final presentations before graduation. As I wrote in my last note, I expected a lot from the seniors with their senior speeches last Friday, and they did not disappoint. Their messages were poignant, relevant and powerful. Here are just a few highlights of the wisdom they shared with the Classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025.

• “I've found that just trying something new has led me to some of the best experiences I have had at Flint Hill. Underclassmen, you're going to hear this a lot, and I remember being there my freshman year and rolling my eyes when I heard this, but it’s true. Cherish your time in high school; it legitimately does go by a lot faster than you think.”

• “... as cliche and soppy as it is, don’t take your time for granted here. There may be moments where you can’t wait to grow up and get out of here, but once you’ve reached the end, all you can do is wish for more time to stay a kid.”

• “Take every opportunity you have to do something fun with your friends. It could be something that you guys could look back on in a couple of years and remember how stupid or silly it was. Close-knit friendships are great to have because these people will be by your side through thick and thin. They will support you in the decisions that you make in your life. Play sports. You will make friendships and connections with people that will truly last a lifetime. As much as you don’t want to hear it, do your homework; grades are very important to success beyond high school.”

• “My advice to other students would be to try to actually get to know some of your teachers. Many of the teachers at this school are amazing people, and they are more than just educators. Trust me: there are some teachers I enjoy talking with just as much as I do talking to my friends.”

• “I think I will miss the little things more than the large things, like the first day back from virtual feeling everyone’s presence together and crowding in the cafeteria for lunch everyday. Little things like sitting in Town Meeting or being yelled at for eating in the Learning Commons a few too many times. I’m so grateful to be a part of a community like this and will always look back on this part of my life.”

• “I think a lot of people view high school as just a stepping stone for what’s next — that this is just some weird limbo period you trudge through until you can move onto the next thing. There’s this mentality of ‘I just have to get through four years of high school and then I can go to college.’ But, you’ll get to college and think ‘I just have to finish college and then I can start my masters program. I just have to get through my first job and then I can really start my career.’ There will always be something else. There will always be ‘the next thing.’ Don’t wish time away. You’ll miss out on so many experiences.”

• “To the upcoming seniors, CONGRATULATIONS. This is an extremely big milestone in your life which comes with a huge responsibility. In one year, you will be off to college! One piece of advice I would like to leave with you all is to put your all into everything you do, no matter what! Never let other people's doubts hinder you from doing something you are truly passionate about. Remember, you will never be criticized by people doing MORE than you. You will only be criticized by people doing LESS.”

• “Remember to remember.”