To My Seniors....

Seniors,

It's not likely that you'll remember me 10...15...20 years from now, but remember this:

1. Surround yourself with positive people. There are going to be some people that want drama just for the sake of drama. Avoid them at all costs.

2. Own your mistakes. You'll make a million wrong decisions in the next few years. Own it. Mistakes will shape you into who you'll become.

3. Understand the how. It's easy to "I know the answer", but to understand how something works is true knowledge. As Neil deGrasse Tyson says, "Knowing how to think empowers you far beyond those who only know what to think." 

That thing atop your shoulders is the most complicated thing in the known universe. Use it.

So that guy in the coffee shop or in the quad next year who is pontificating about religion, the government, or social issues might sound interesting, but be wary. He might be a ding dong....and is probably a philosophy major.

4. Be good to others. You might have been a big fish in a small pond here at GHS...Expect the opposite next year. You will meet others that are smarter, better looking, tougher, etc. Starting now the playing field is level, which means an ounce of humility will go a long way. Treat others with respect, regardless of your initial impression is of them.

Just know that, for many of you, high school will have been the easiest part of life for you. All those tests, long nights, drama....it was easy. Time to grow up.

I said for most of you it was easy. For those that struggled and knew of true hardships over the past four years, know this: You are better because of it. And, in many ways, you're a step ahead of the others because you made it. Best of luck to you all.

- Bott

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: IT GOES ON."
                                                                    - Robert Frost