To Seniors, Us
Isabella Gamez | igamez22@dtechhs.org
Senior year, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, and sometimes it was just a time. But as the school year comes to an end, the question many of us are left asking is: Where did all the time go? I mean, let’s face the music, however sweet or bitter the sound, it has been anything from ordinary.
From extended field trips to the land of Zoom and invitations to parties of one, it is fair to say the Class of 2022 has had a rather, well, different experience. So while we pause at the notion of “what now”, let us take a few moments to reflect on the vibrant memories of this bunch of these amazing graduates!
Through d.tech’s ever changing schedules and grading policy, it is strange to believe that there has been one constant: Advisory. @dtech’s have been a stable part of dtech culture since the founding class of 2018. Now, a full four years later, here we are. It may look a little different, but the Class of ‘22 will be leaving with a, “Little family of our own,” comments Senior and future Pomona College freshman Miram Brody. She pauses and laughs, “I just really like Mx. Atkinson being awesome everyday!”
Yet another tradition to waltz its way out the door after the pandemic is the infamous Freshman camping trip. While some share fonder moments than others, it is safe to say it is a time none present will soon forget. Liam McAlexander recalls, “I was demanded to put on pants on that trip! I wasn’t cold! I didn’t want to wear pants!”
Allow us to pause for a moment to return to something special. For those of you who have served your full four years here at d.tech, you may recall a certain assignment, in which letters were written to your future selves. Your senior selves to be exact. According to the person who kept these pieces, these last few years, you can expect your letter in the next coming weeks! So, look out, your ghost of freshman past is coming to a mailbox near you. Soon.
d.tech has borne many faces over many years and it is hard to say exactly what is coming next or what is truly permanent at this institution. Many iterations have come and gone, and one favorite swept away with it. “Lab day was my favorite,” said Senior Julia Hom no, “I remember we used to spend the whole day having the best time but the hot chocolate parties are what I remember the most.” And who knows, maybe Lab Days will make their great return, one day, but for right now all we can do is hang tight and look back in gaiety.
Would you have believed it, if you were told d.tech would not only have a sports program but a league winning sports program? Well, stranger things have happened evidently, because this marks the new beginning for d.tech and shines the light on something rather promising. Varsity basketball player and Senior, Fumi Shynagua, notes, “d.athletics is something different, on the team every player is valued and given room to grow in a good way which creates a really cool and confident atmosphere.” This year the boys’ basketball qualified for CCS and played their way to the Quarterfinals. People will always believe a confident person who lacks wisdom over a wise person who lacks confidence. Confidence is a kingmaker and it can make a huge difference in who you are, and who you will ultimately become. This year, we Dragons became winners. Another team, girls’ softball, led by Seniors Annie Philps, Lauren Wu, Miriam Brody, Samamtha Sito, Kasvi Sihgn, and Isabella Gamez became the first d.tech team to win the title of league champions!
Seniors remember this: your cap, gown, and diploma mean you have finished high school, but they do not mean you have finished learning. If d.tech has taught us anything, it is that you will learn from others, you will learn from circumstance, you will learn from experience, and you will learn from discovery. Don’t ever trust you have it all figured out and become set in your ways, because, just like d.tech, things are going to change.
Congratulations Class of 2022, you made it.