Aditya Yelamali
Three years ago today, I looked down from the second-floor balcony into the sea of green below, desperately trying to figure out where my link leaders were. In the mix of the class of 2020 wearing bizarre and colorful hats, loads of cheap armbands, and collections of different fake jewelry to identify and explore with their own group, I contemplated, wondering where my path would soon lead me. I looked around at the walls that were going to be surrounding me for these next years in anticipation, knowing that one day I would be one of the seemingly giant and proud green-draped seniors leading the next class of freshmen through them. I knew that one day, we would be celebrating the end of the arduous yet wild journey of high school.
Three years ago, no one could have predicted the future that seemed to come straight from the apocalyptic setting of a Blockbuster movie. Now as I sit here in my house, oddly enough, it’s the first time in a long time I’m not staying at school past 3 PM, and I can’t help but think about the memories I have made over the years. A mixture of helplessness and despair washes over me as I see the last days of high school slip away, time that I will never be able to experience again. And while my dreams from long ago about senior year—prom, graduation, beach day— have now vanished, what hurts the most is not being able to express the deepest extent of my gratitude to the teachers that have made me who I am. So, Mr. Backstrom, Ms. Johns, Ms. Traxler, Mr. Kuszak, Ms. Torrie, Mr. Fry, and Mr. Kittler, this one's for you.
To Mr. Backstrom, whose lectures and conversations expanded my horizons infinitely, and whose classroom I constantly waltzed into after school. It is you who challenged me to refine and better understand my thoughts and ideas, and encouraged me to expand and try new and intellectually demanding experiences. I wouldn’t have ever ventured into the world of MUN, where I not only created my most treasured memories but also grew my most important skills. You provided the right environment for me to take a stand in what I believe in and only diversify from there. You showed me that you don’t have to constrict yourself to one type of person, but rather experience new things, build new relationships, and gather new understandings. From our numerous conversations, I’ve understood just how many layers there are to your ideas, and the beauty in incorporating this into my own life. Thank you for inspiring me to pursue my passions, ideas, and encouraging me to explore all that I’ve been missing.
To Ms. Johns, who, with open arms, allowed my idea of Youth STEM Outreach club to take up her space, and whose classroom inevitably became my home for the past three years. Deep inside the beaten-down building, room 133 holds a special place in my heart. Inside you’ll find students coming in and out looking to ask more science questions, numerous class pets, and experiments to look at in awe. But on the counters in the classroom, you’ll also find piles of T-shirts, a couple of boxes filled with everything from pumpkins to lava lamps, and random chemicals for absurd demonstrations. These items represent all memories of the Outreach club that are shared with the young elementary students we have taught. Because of the collective student efforts and, most importantly, the undying energy and ideas given by you, those elementary students will one day join the same high school class and continue to be inspired in the very same way I was. I truly believe everything I accomplish in the realm of science will have started in your classroom. For many, room 133 has been the destination for Mrs. John’s AP Biology and Marine Biology students. For me, your room is my home.
To Ms. Traxler and Mr. Kuszak, whose curriculum exposed me to wonderful literature, plays, and operas. Because of you both, I have a greater understanding of the world around me and a new lens to look at expression and art.
To Ms. Torrie, who undoubtedly has the most energetic vibe in the school. Your constant jokes and never-ending quips and laughter is what I and many others look forward to in our days. And although I’m not the best at learning Spanish, your incredibly interactive teaching style and hysterical dances made it that much easier.
To Mr. Fry, the one who has given me the ability to see. Your art class has never failed to form a smile on my face and provide a brief moment of tranquility and peace in a torrent of stress and rush at times. Your wonderful taste in all types of culture and cuisine (I still have yet to bring you some homemade food) and immaculate jokes can truly brighten up anyone’s day. And although at times it took me forever to complete a piece (yes, I will admit this is partially my fault, I have to make sure it’s worth it!), you were there continuing to encourage and believe in me. Thank you for all the kindness and effort you invest in your students. Because of you, I have a much greater appreciation and eye for the little details that matter.
Last but certainly not least, to Mr. Kittler. When I decided to switch into Statistics in my junior year, I didn’t know what to expect. And at the time, junior year Aditya certainly did not know about the journey that was to come. I can still hear your humorous jokes, wild stories, daily office quotes, and your singing even now. Thank you for all you did to help and shape who I am. Thank you for the wonderful learning environment to flourish in, which doubled as the perfect setting for our game of D&D. Thank you for going out of your way to stay after school with an open door and letting me walk in practically every day just to talk about life and its intricacies. Your unbounded compassion and welcoming arms are what make you so approachable to anyone, and it constantly reminds me why I do what I do. My passion for making a positive difference in others’ lives flourished in your classroom, and for that, I am forever grateful.
The past few months of senior year have indeed been disappointing. But I have no doubt we will make the most of what we have when this is over, wherever, whenever. And while I am not going on scenic road trips with my friends, enjoying the last moments I’ll be walking into a high school class, or delivering my teachers their much-deserved gifts and messages in person, I sit here, reminiscing on all that I can and pouring every ounce of gratitude I have into this piece, though just words won’t be able to say it all.