Dear UA,

Thank you for all the memories you've given me. It's been one hell of a ride. From being a bright-eyed little girl at Windermere to a well-rounded UAHS graduate, I learned a lot from being there.

I learned what hard work really means and I learned that accomplishments can happen when you try. I learned the value of going to class and completing all my homework assignments, even if I got a few questions wrong. I learned how lucky I was to receive the education that I did.

I got to see who my true friends are and what it takes to be a friend to someone else. I saw so many bonds be strengthened by being on campus there. The football games and the late nights really made us appreciate who we were and where we were at that moment in time. Even if we weren't all a part of the same clique, we banded together when our football team won or the lacrosse team went to States.

Despite our downfalls, we still kept the pristine image alive. Our schools were praised for the wonderful educators and the excellent curriculum. I met some of my favorite teachers there, and I'll never forget the lessons they taught me. Not only did they teach me how to be a good student, they even taught me how to be a better human being.

While I didn't excel at every single subject, I was always able to get help either from peers or teachers with the things I didn't understand. English classes were where I thrived, and part of that was due to the faculty that believed I had something worth saying.

Games brought groups of people together, and the band bonded me and my friends forever. Dances were so fun in middle school because we thought it was the coolest thing to stay out until 10pm at 13. Clubs allowed our interests to flourish, and assemblies celebrated our achievements.

While my 13 years there may not have been perfect, they were nonetheless memorable. I wouldn't change a thing, even the not-so-good moments. They brought me here, where I am now. And for that, I can't thank Upper Arlington enough.

From,

a proud Golden Bear