Right for Me

Today my high school celebrates its 81st birthday. So much of who I am grew out of my 5 years at this noble institution. Many of the bonds I formed then are still very much a part of my world today. I would do it all over again – maybe this time around, it would be better. Your flame still shines brightly – never dimmed! I put a hand on my heart as I whisper a big thank you to the Lord Almighty who, in His wisdom, knew exactly where I belonged. He knew you were right for me.

Dear Blue and Gold,

We met when I was a bright-eyed bushy tail eleven-year-old. You seemed so larger than life. My first day I barely knew your ins and outs, your curves and your twists. You introduced me to a whole batch of newbies like me. As time passed, our hearts connected. Today we still laugh and reminisce about the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly you brought. We learned how to do life amidst the imperfect and do it well.

We navigated Mina S. and her English classes, Boothe and Spanish; Dawkins and chemistry; Gopie and biology; Stone and math; Neal and Guidance; Johnny Mac, his white shorts and dog- for some boys his caning. We had a slew of other amazing teachers. Carbs were our friends as we loved the beef patties and coco bread; sugar bun and the sweet drinks that Devon tempted us with at the tuck shop. When that was not enough the bakery in town beckoned us to hot hardo bread with real butter. We’ll not forget surviving that fried chicken and stuff from that lady down at the front of the school. Her glass case called us – never once were we concerned about where she washed her hands, used the bathroom or seasoned that chicken. We burned off those calories going up and down those hills to and from PE. We jumped around with Ms. Taylor in our short blue skirts and bloomers pumping our chest and chanting ‘ I must, I must, I must increase my bust!’ Why? I don’t know! Some of us found our way to Danks for those sour oranges, slipped away down to that little stream behind the netball court after a hot day at PE. Like many high schoolers we were perfectly imperfect.

You taught us well as you opened your arms to embrace the colorful personalities from all walks of life. With you we learned how to love and lose and love again. Mastered the art of establishing lasting friends. Our teachers knew there would be class on after lunch on a game day. Our ties flew in the faces of our opponents. We were loud and proud – today we are still loud and proud! The proud blue and gold nation. You loved us well and we love you back. Today and always – forever in our hearts.

‘Daughter of The College’