I hate nature.
Well, being in nature. The blistering sun and arid winds, the stench of your body (and the bathrooms), and the invisible pests that attack you relentlessly, leaving only an inflamed, reddish bump behind. I despise that my feet are never clean, I’ve definitely forgotten to pack something important, and how completely at mercy I am of the elements surrounding me.
But I’ve discovered something that makes it bearable: the butterflies.
When I was 13, I went on a four-day, school-mandated camping trip to Big Bear. For weeks leading up, I shivered with excitement every time I thought about it. I had bought my fancy new flashlight and packed my bags nearly a month in advance. But, by the last day, I had caught a cold, two ruptured blisters on my foot had reopened, and the naturalists had planned an 11-mile hike to close the trip. Imaginably, I just wanted to go home. As we scaled the mountain, my situation seemed to somehow worsen. Because of my blistered feet and ill-fitting boots, I trailed sluggishly behind my peers, and the thin mountain air above sea level elevation led to a baseline feeling of nausea and dizziness. Perhaps I’m not built for the outdoors after all.
But just as I was about to ask someone to escort me down, a towering shadow overcast the sun. The scattered light peeking through the mound in the sky blinked on the ground below. Squinting into the brightness above, I saw it: a wave of monarch butterflies flew over our trail, migrating from the Bay Area. I could see sunlight dancing off their microscopic scales, illuminating the frames of their delicate wings. At that moment, I remembered why I was so excited. People had boasted about the marvels of the boreal forests and their surrounding wildlife, and I had to see it for myself. I can only hope that everyone can someday witness such beauty.
My academic goals and personal ambitions have both been shaped by this single adventure. From the classes I’ve chosen to how I spend my Saturday mornings, everything has been about the butterflies, and more broadly, the environment. Perhaps broaching the topic of climate change is much too morbid for a Monday morning. But it’s important to realize that advocacy comes in all shapes and sizes. Standing up for what you believe in does not look the same for everyone, and you don’t necessarily have to love every aspect of something to realize its value. All advocacy, at its core, is an exercise in empathy, so never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth against injustice. Thank you.
Shoutouts:
-
The illustrious class of 2023 - We did it! I am so proud of how far we have come, and I am excited by the possibilities of our future.
-
Ms. Beshke - Your presence in my academic journey thus far has been monumental in helping me find my identity. Thank you for everything, truly.
-
Ms. Blanchette - I cannot begin to express the privilege I feel for having been your student. You’re obviously a witch or something because I have no idea how I ended up in your class three years in a row.
-
Mr. Quan - I probably wouldn’t have made it through most of this past year without you. Your mentorship, dry humor, and donuts keep me going.
-
Mr. Liddiard - Thanks for helping me navigate the college admissions process. I would be completely lost without your guidance.
-
Ms. Alcott, Ms. Alejandre, and the maintenance staff - This place genuinely would not be the same without your efforts. Thank you for keeping our school running.
-
Maison, Mary, Haru, Lulu, Lauren, and Sophie - You all mean so much to me, and I love how close we’ve gotten. I can’t believe how long you’ve put up with my weirdness, so thanks for always being there.
-
Sydney - I love how much you push me out of my comfort zone… all the time. Your passion for learning inspires me, and I cannot wait to become a witness to your success at Boston College and beyond. Remember me when you’re famous!
-
Isabelle - Your support has not gone unnoticed. Whether I’m puking off the side of a boat, or on a 5-hour bus ride, or being stung by a stingray on the beach, you’re always there. Thank you.
-
Cait - Your unmatched creative expression and stability are something I can only aspire to. You have no idea how much you’ve helped me grow. Never change.
-
To my beloved dog, ‘Oli, I will miss you dearly in college, but I promise to FaceTime you often.
-
Dad - If it weren’t for you, I probably wouldn’t know how to tie my shoes. You support me through everything, and I so appreciate everything you do. Xiexie ni.
-
To my dear mother, please don’t cry. You have taught me so much about myself and the world. I have eternal gratitude for your support and unconditional love, and would not be the same person without you.
-
Sophie - I find myself at a loss for words in acknowledging all that you have done for me. You are who I want to be when I grow up. Your compassion and strength are inspiring, and I’ll miss you when I’m gone.
Thank you.