I saw Spiderman featuring Toby Maguire when I was in 5th grade. The most meaningful words I remember from the film were from Peter Parker’s uncle, formally known as Uncle Ben. Those words were: “These are the years when a man changes into the man he's gonna become the rest of his life, just be careful who you change in to.” Uncle Ben’s words have stuck with me for more than seven years.
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An emotional Kieran Brennan sadly ponders about what he will be leaving behind at Riverside Brookfield.
Photo by Willinger |
At 14 years old I walked into RB as a haughty, arrogant punk. I certainly was not the most considerate person that I could be. There is a strong possibility that I may have hurt your feelings, or disrespected you, or crossed a line that should not have been crossed, and now I offer my apologies.
At one point in the middle of my high school career as I was leading this life of wrongdoing, Uncle Ben’s words popped into my head. I realized that this was not the person that I wanted to become. In the latter half my sophomore year I tried to transform myself into a more respectful human being. This transformation became a full-fledged reversal by my junior year. At present, I am still practicing my newfound characteristics of compassion, empathy, and love and I plan on continuing these virtues for the rest of my life.
If I did not attend RB, I do not know that my transformation would have been possible. There are wonderful people at this high school, and it is to them that I owe my successes to. Between all of my teachers, my counselor Jim Franko, and the various employees around the building such as Craig Geans, everybody wants to create mutual relationships with the students. They want to help in any way they can and they want to be your friends. My advice is to take advantage of it. Their friendships can make your stay at RB a much more enjoyable one. On my four year journey I never stopped developing strong relationships with my teachers. Just this year I made some endearing friendships in only one semester’s time (shout out to Ms. Briskman and Ms. Gallagher). |
RB was a wonderful place for me to grow in to a young man. I can not imagine going to high school anywhere else. My high school experience has been as close to perfect as it can get. The people in this building have made an everlasting impression on my life and I will always be grateful for that. Never have I been one to cry at commencement events, but if the tears start flowing I will not hold them back. I bid you farewell RB, I bid you farewell.
--Submitted by Kieran Brennan, Sports Manager |
