Dear Lawrenceville,

I just wanted to start off with a thank you, and an apology. Thank you for some of the most interesting, yet frustrating; enriching, yet annoying four years. And most importantly, thank you for approximately 600 Instagram followers that come with being a Lawrenceville student. Our love story was not that of a Disney character; ours developed through fits and bursts and all-nighters. Many nights, erm, mornings, I cursed you, Lawrenceville, but believe me-- I truly do love and miss you dearly.

To say that I learned a lot during my four years would be a gross understatement. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I'm actually very thankful for the grammar foundation that was instilled in me. Entering Lawrenceville, I had little to no understanding of grammar and most likely would have assumed that a gerund was a type of woodlands creature. In fact, the 13-year-old me that entered Lawrenceville was just lopsided and incomplete in so many ways.

Coming into Lawrenceville, I would say that I had a very strong inclination towards STEM subjects and was very reluctant to step outside of my comfort zone when it came to the humanities. Because of this reluctance, I could not take failure.

So thank you Lawrenceville, for showing me that it's okay to fail. Thank you for making clear that it's okay to ask your teachers for help. Consultation has been integral for my test preparation, and just overall understanding of course material.

Finally, thank you for the rainbow of memories ranging from House Olympics to heated Harkness discussions about political correctness. It's been quite the experience.

I also want to apologize. Lawrenceville, I did not do you well. As a day student, I did not stay back and participate in as many extracurricular activities as I would have liked. While I do cherish plenty of my Kirby house memories, I regret not staying back past check-in and just interacting with my housemates and housemasters. As a student who participated in a time consuming outside-school activity (fencing), I felt like I was unable to stay on campus and fully receive the Lawrentian experience. While I definitely love fencing, I cannot help but think about how things would be different if I were to redo Lawrenceville without such a strong focus on my sport.

Lawrenceville, we have been through a lot. I received my first B's on papers and tests here. Lawrenceville, you have indeed humbled me. I learned that I am not the best singer, artist, mathematician, essay-writer, or scientist. I met so many other people who I have come to respect and admire-- whether they be my teachers or my classmates. I have learned how to overcome an all-nighter and still be (semi) awake the next day. I learned how to manage my time and productively use my frees.

So thank you, and sorry Lawrenceville. If I could, I would meet you again and relive my Lawrenceville experience differently. But there is no point dwelling on the past. Thank you for preparing me for the times ahead, and remember this is not goodbye, but see you later.

Much love,

Aahana Chatterjee