By Harper Whaley, Communities In Schools Site Coordinator
I have had the privilege of working as the Communities in Schools Site Coordinator at Aspen over the last year. When I was asked to share some words for our 8th graders, I had to think for a minute about what I wanted to say. First, it doesn’t feel like all that long since I graduated from 8th grade. And second, while I feel lucky to be part of the Grey Wolf family, many of you students have been here a lot longer than I have.
Many of you 8th graders walked through the doors of Aspen at 5 years-old and have been here ever since. Our wonderful staff has watched you grow up. You have watched each other grow up. You have cheered each other on at performances, at the STEM fair, at Triton and Grey Wolf games, and at holiday and spring concerts. You 8th graders know better than anyone what it is to be an Aspen student. And so, in order to talk about what it looks like to leave this place… To graduate from Aspen and move on to high school, I think it would be best to look back at where we came from. To know that Aspen has already prepared you for high school in more ways than any words I choose to share right now.
Be each other’s biggest fans. Countless times this year I have watched as you 8th graders have cheered each other on and had each other’s backs. I think about our volleyball team vs football team game and watching you guys scream louder and cheer more than they ever have. I think about your participation in theater or in the science fair and watching you show unconditional support. I think about your fellow students having hard days and watching you sit with them on the bathroom floor and be there for them in those very hard moments. When you go to high school, remember that you know each other better than anyone. Be each other’s supporters and fans.
Speak up for yourself. One thing I know for sure about Aspen students is that you are able to advocate for yourself and what you need. Because of that ability, our staff has been able to know you and work to best support you. Keep that up as you leave. Don’t be afraid to say when you don’t understand, when you didn’t feel something was fair or just, when you find yourself backed into a corner. When you know that you would really learn better if you had a snack from my classroom. Be respectful, but continue to speak up.
Find safe places and people. You have learned here that there are places and people that will feel comfortable and safe to you. You know how to build relationships with adults that will open their rooms and let you have a minute to step away from the craziness of the rest of school. Seek those spaces out. Find the teachers who can be real with you. Find the rooms that are that escape. Whether that’s the nurse’s office, the room of a previous teacher, the counselor, just find those safe places.
See the good. Finally, one thing I know to be true about any student at Aspen is that you are able to see the good. I feel confident that I can speak for our 8th graders when I say that this year hasn’t been all good. There were hard things, the kinds of things that knock us to our knees and leave us wondering how to get through it. But you are the most resilient group of kids I know. Amidst chaos and hardship and difficulties, you guys have had so much practice seeing the good already. You have a way of making everyday things special. You see it in Wednesday concessions, Friday popsicles, and in the high fives you give each other in the hallways. High school will be full of difficult days, but never stop seeing the good in those little moments and in the big ones.
I am so proud to know each and every one of you. You are a grade full of leaders, advocates, comedians, volunteers, role models, and world changers. When you’re in high school and you find yourself in a bigger place than this one, don’t forget to look back. You will see that some of the skills you need are ones Aspen has already given you. You have each other and your unique experience of this school. When you do look back, you’ll see all of us here. Still cheering you on.
Communities In Schools of New Mexico serves PreK-12 students enrolled in 12 high-poverty public schools in Santa Fe, providing children and their families with the support, guidance, and resources students need to stay in school and achieve in life.
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