JIE HAN
Gargoyle assistant editor
Posted Thursday, May 29, 2008

WOW. AMAZING. INCREDIBLE.

Who stole '03-'07?

It seems so long ago when bedtime was 10 p.m. sharp and homework was turned in on time. Cutting Edge, history papers, English book talks, Mallard quizzes … all of that seems kind of unreal now that it's all done and over with.

You know senior year is drawing to a close when you go to Wisconsin Dells with 63 other people, when you send in your college acceptance letters, and when you turn in homework way late. You know senior year is drawing to a close when your teachers run out of lesson plans and turn you loose, when you go to Senior Supper and paint on the walls without authority figures yelling at you, and when you get bombarded with messages about graduation.

And after all that, the last days finally come to a close. The last pages are falling. It's almost over. I can taste its bitter sweetness in my mouth. They're turning us loose. We're about to leave high school.

By the Great Cheese, what have they unleashed?

At any rate, since this is my last column, I’ve a few choice words for you people. You don't have to read, you might laugh, you might think it's boring. But hey, it's two days until graduation and you won't ever have to see me again after tomorrow. Or read whatever else I have to write. So, enjoy it while you can!

To all of you whom I know — yeah, you lot. It’s been a wonderful number of crazy, hyper, fun, pokey, fantastic years spent with you. We’ve been through loads of homework, cramming, and procrastinated papers (yes, I still have one left).

We’ve been there for each other, making late-night phone calls to find out about the topic of tomorrow’s test and watching movies at various places at questionable hours.

Now we’re gonna go through all that again this fall (it never ends), but with new friends and at new places. But I won’t forget ever you, ’cause you’ve made these past five years of mine worth it.

You’ve taught me a lot, from chemistry to calculus (never mind that I don’t recall any), and have helped me grow a bit more (past the 5-foot mark!!). So go out there, have lots of fun, and get some interesting stories to tell when we next meet!

Repeat after me: I will remember to eat lots of sugar, candy, and chocolate. Cheese!

To the people who know me, but I don’t know you: Hi! First of all, don’t stalk me — I’ll be going to Wellesley College (yes, wait-list option) in Massachusetts next fall, so I doubt you’d see me very much. It’s a bit scary, really, for people I don’t recall seeing to know me (via the Internet and the Gargoyle in particular).

At any rate, thank you for taking the time to know about me and/or reading my articles. You don’t know how happy it makes me when I meet a person who actually reads and appreciates my long, dry stories (sorry teachers!). I’ll be on campus all summer — last chance to meet me in person and make me aware that you actually exist!

To my teachers and ex-teachers: Thank you for imparting your wisdom and knowledge to a sleepy and clueless high-schooler, both during class and after class. Also, thank you for your patience in reading and grading my rather long-winded homework, papers, tests, and various other assignments. I wish the best for you and your classes next year!

And yes, I do pay attention while doodling in class. I just have a rather short short-term memory.

To the Class of ’08: Yep, saving the best for last. Whether we know each other personally or from a distance, I believe that we’ve all made such a great impact on each other.

You’ve been the best class ever, and I really wouldn’t choose to be in another class — no one else even comes close to being as creative, weird, cool, wacky, nice, amusing, helpful, or supportive as you. Being a member of the Uni High ’08 Class was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I won’t ever regret it.

Thank you for making my high school experience one of the best times of my life!

And to all: Enjoy yourselves. Smile. Go forth. Be happy. Make others happy. No regrets. Look to tomorrow.

We've only got one life each, so do with it what you will. Just know that there are rewards — some good, some not so good.

Senior year, the best and the worst year of high school. Why must they always come together?

That's life for you, I suppose. So go out there and LIVE!

Thanks for everything and see you around,

Jie Han
Class of '08
Almost as cool as we think we are