Seeing wonderful transformations after a few years of hard work

Iwant to say thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. From our wonderful administration, to my teachers, friends and family, thank you for all you have done to support me. Most importantly, to my mom who isn't here today, te amo mucho y te extraño.

First of all, I'm very sorry that our time together was cut short because of the coronavirus. This year had an amazing start, and I will always appreciate the time we all were able to spend together. However, our time together as the Class of 2020 is now drawing to a close. I want us to take a moment to remember where we started together.

Looking back four years to our freshmen year might cause us to cringe a little and feel embarrassed, but it is a nice reminder of how much we can change in a relatively short period of time. From our haircuts and fashion choices, to our overall interests, there is a lot that is different about us. Anyone who has known me these past few years, knows how much I've strayed from my reserved nature, and how much I've benefited from this deviation.

We all owe part of these changes we've seen in ourselves to someone else — maybe a teacher who showed us it was possible to be professional and still have fun, or a friend who pushed us out of our comfort zones when we needed to be pushed. It is important to acknowledge and be grateful for those who have supported us in our journeys.

However, as we look to our futures, be sure to take credit where it is deserved. We are all here because we have studied for years to learn core curriculum and dedicated countless hours to our clubs and teams while still developing our own personal interests that give us something to work toward in life.

Take a moment every once in a while and appreciate what you've done for yourself. Let that inspire and motivate you to be better than you were yesterday. Hopefully, the next time you reach a milestone in your life, you will be able to look back to today and once again see the wonderful transformation that a few years of hard work and personal growth can have on you.

I hope you and your family are all safe and well. Thank you, fellow Mustangs.

Courtesy photo Mariana Uhlig: “Let that inspire and motivate you to be better than you were yesterday.”