Four years.

They truly flew, yet they permitted me to create countless memories that I will cherish forever. From Niles West News to Quran Study to my teachers to my friends each and every one has impacted me in a way that I will never be able to forget Niles West.

Just yesterday, I realized the true richness of the faculty that we have at Niles West.. Mr. Wack came back to visit his students, and even though I do not have him as a teacher, I was moved to tears. His inspiring attitude towards Muslims during the time of 9/11 (he was the sponsor of Quran Study during that period) touched me in a way that no one else has. His joking comparison of me  to Kafka to my friends since I was too afraid to go near Lake Michigan truly made me laugh. Mr. Wack was able to touch me and inspire me without him even knowing my name. That is how special Niles West it.

Everyone and everything at Niles West inspires and pushes us towards embracing oursleves and our true life path.

The Niles West News has had a similar profound impact on me. As I entered my ninth period journalism class, I was surprised to learn that I was allowed to write anything that I wanted to. I was permitted to rant and create awareness about topics that hurt me the most. Everything in the class allowed itself to relate back to me. Ms. Lauer has truly provided me with a strong background in journalism. She allowed me to explore my writing skills and critiqued me where I needed to be.

These are only two small examples. Four years amount to hundreds of lessons, memories, inspirations, and much more. As I leave Niles West, I am excited for what my future hold for me, but I am also saddened to leave the school that has become a part of me.

Obviously, we’ve all sluggishly attended school and at times couldn’t wait till it’s over,  but I wish this week would drag so that I can collect all the memories that I want. But like it or not, we’re just a few days away from graduation.

I just want to use this article as a chance to truly thank all my teachers and friends and peers and basically everyone at this school. You’ve all shaped me in a way that you might not even know.