Pointing at the poster-adorned walls of her classroom, my sixth grade Enrichment teacher Mrs. Kwan once said, “Start thinking of this place as your second home–because that’s what it’ll be for the school year.”

Six years later, that maxim still holds true. With each passing grade, I found myself spending longer and longer hours within campus grounds; even after departing for home, evenings passed quickly under evergrowing piles of assignments and projects. In the midst of this intense transition, the paper and pen that accompanied me through my hardships became my most loyal companions in the face of this challenge. When my first grade report arrived in sixth grade, proudly displaying the neat row of A’s proceeding each class, I discovered that “student” had become my identity–the accomplishment of learning had become my shining gem.

But students can hardly call themselves pupils if there are no mentors to guide them.

Thank you, Mr. vanHaaster, for telling tales about your adventures through college and sharing how you became a lawyer with your class. You inspired me to pursue my passions, because you showed me it was possible to succeed.

Thank you, Mrs. Sun, for introducing that science project during quarantine. You taught us about chemical reactions, and also helped me discover a love for baking.

Thank you, Mrs. Chin, for encouraging me to join journalism; I simply can’t imagine how different my life would be if I was not a part of The Quill today.

Thank you, Coach Richard, for being not just a tennis coach but a mentor. Under your guidance, I gained not just physical form and conditioning, but the grit and perseverance mindset of an athlete.

Thank you, Mr. Sylvia, for the simplicity with which you taught Algebra 2 Honors. Sometimes, the simplest methods of teaching, like problems on a whiteboard, are the most effective. The foundations of your class have carried me through my APs for years to come.

Thank you, Mrs. Chuang, for your honest advice and attention to detail. Thank you for showing me that wood–and glass–tables work like whiteboards. You have fundamentally shaped my study methods, and I will continue to use them for the foreseeable future.

Thank you, Matt, for emailing me and encouraging me to continue taking sports medicine. You’ve given me opportunities to explore my passion for medicine up-close, and that experience has been invaluable to me.

Thank you, Mrs. Grubbs, for giving the English 10 Honors class a pop syllabus quiz within the first week of school. Although I failed, I quickly learned to take my role as “student” seriously; there’s no room for procrastination or half-hearted efforts.

Thank you, Mr. Austin, for your animated teaching methods and bring-home lectures. Watching Brother Bear in your class after the AP Biology exam is one of the highlights of my sophomore year.

Thank you, Mrs. Goto, for your enthusiasm and encouragement. I would not have made it through AP Physics without your support and dedication.

Thank you, Mr. Smith, for making period 2 AP Calculus BC entertaining. I appreciate your Chuck Norris jokes.

Thank you, Mrs. Zaidi, for having faith in my writing and offering pinpoint critique that has changed my perspective of English as an academic subject. I have learned that writing should be viewed just as objectively as arithmetic–but with the exciting caveat that there is always room for improvement.

The educators that surround me have shaped my future as not just a student, but an individual within society. Looking onward, I am grateful for the wisdom that has been imparted to me, and I know that the influence of my mentors–and new mentors to come–will continue to guide me through my life.