Samuel R.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference
-Robert Frost
This passage by Robert Frost portrays the decision we had to make about 4 years ago when most of us received our AMES recruitment letter. This letter would ultimately decide our future. Each of us needed to decide which path to tread: Do we take a risk and follow this beacon of change, or do we remain with what is adequate and comfortable? For some, this decision was forced upon us by our parents. For others, like me, the decision was easy.
When I submitted my application I knew a great challenge lay ahead. However, I did not realize that so much more would come of this decision. Time passed and I received my acceptance letter. I was excited to be chosen. I could finally have the challenge I was looking for.
As freshman year arrived in the fall of 2005, I can assure you there was plenty of anticipation and anxiety: new school, new teachers, new student body. It was a lot to take in. Through hard work, determination and the help of our teachers, parents, and peers, we all made it through. The end of freshmen year arrived and we finally belonged. We were no longer strangers.
As the years progressed, the circumstances changed and some people had to depart AMES. Others had the opportunity to get on board. Now, 72 remain. I can truly say, for myself and my peers, that attending AMES has made all the difference. AMES has made us who we are today.
We have learned to think for ourselves.
We have learned that education is a powerful tool.
We have learned to challenge our limits.
We have learned that knowledge is not only power but also opportunity.
We have learned that we can make a difference if we try.
We have learned it is up to our generation to change the world.
We have learned to value the many different ways of thinking.
We have learned that each of us is capable of great things.
We have learned the value of: family, friendship, and community.
We have learned to find the greatness we posses
AMES has prepared us for higher education and for any challenges the world may bring.
At the beginning of our senior year, we were afraid of the end. The idea of attending college was no longer just an idea, but reality. Sure, as seniors we were at the top of the school chain. But that would only last so long.
We had to prepare for what comes after high school. We had to prepare for the many things that our parents, teachers and peers taught us. We had to prepare for the moment that is the rest of our lives. I realize that standing on this pedestal of tradition and achievement is not the end, but the beginning of our moment—this moment to become who we were born to be.
Whether we become engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers or chemists, our journey to fulfill our destinies will always be filled with memories, and life lessons learned from AMES. As society takes a hold of us and changes us we need to remember that we will always have something to unite us. We will always be known to the world as the AMES graduating class of 2009.
Thank you.