Oh the Places You'll Go!

Throughout my life friends have come and gone but the end of this school year will prove to be one of the most bittersweet times of my life thus far. I'm just a junior in high school so I'm sure this all seems rather melodramatic, but I am truly going to miss the seniors. Some of them I've known for a few years now and others are new friends with memories fast-formed. They say your friends are the family you pick, and to all the seniors out there, I think I picked quite well. In no particular order I'd like tolet you know what you mean to me and begin to say my "see ya laters".


Julia- You are an amazing person never question that. What you accomplish in a day boggles my mind and you take it all in stride and make it look so easy. Your caring attitude towards your friends (even when it's hard to understand) is admirable. Mock Trial with you has been so much fun and we would all love for you to come and visit; I hope we can make you proud! You saved Mrs. Hagen's sanity and put smiles on like 60? or was it 80? kid's faces through your commitment to Science Olympiad. You can do anything you want at MIT and I'm sure you'll go far. Remember to have fun and take a deep breath. Go to a party, make new friends,and enjoy your time in college because while you're there to learn, it's your last opportunity to be a kid and forget about the real world for even a moment.


Amy- I haven't known you long but your influence has definitely altered my perspective. Your bright attitude and unswerving loyalty to those you care about inspires me to be a better person each day. The high marks you receive would never be known to others except through your dedicated work ethic and the ease with which you pick up information. Knowledge Masters Open, Science Olympiad and all those you came in contact with are the better for having met you. The world has truly been your stage and as long as I've known you, you've lit it up. At college I'm sure making friends and passing your classes will be a breeze. Explore your opportunities and always make time for some peace and quiet. Sometimes your own mind can be the most refreshing place to spend an afternoon.


Alex- I can't believe I've only known you for one term of high school! Your sense of humor nearly always leaves me smiling and the clear love you have for your sister assures me of your serious side as well. You work to make others happy and have learned the value of more than grades in high school as you work to make an impact outside the classroom as well. You support all sorts of clubs and activities at our school going out of your way to make events fun and successful while also getting a tan! Of all my senior friends, you seem the most ready for college. Ready to set your own hours, make your own rules, and define your own boundaries. Keep up the dancing, laughing, and friendly personality and nothing can stop you!


Kelley- Although younger than most of your class, you too are leaving me. Whenever I see you everyone around us knows we're friends. I love that about us. Your enthusiasm for those you care about enhances your relationships with others and makes you an irresistible force. You ace your classes and those of college students while staying involved in high school life, truly a feat to be recognized. Our imaginations have created some pretty interesting situations and I wouldn't trade a single awkward glance from a passing stranger for any of it. I'm sure college will suit you well and you'll find an awesome group of friends. Never forget the memories we've made and take a step back from the drama once in a while to keep a sense of who you are.


Ganesh- You'll probably never read this but you are an impressive kid. Your grades and accomplishments speak for themselves but your self-confidence is what caught my attention. You don't pretend for anyone or try to make others like you. In this way I aspire to be more like you. The balance of Indian heritage with high school life seems flawless from the outside and your dance moves brought smiles to many faces. Both your cool unflappable ways and your fun-loving side have made you an enigma that I have never solved but always enjoyed. As you go off to college retain your strong sense of identity, achieve great things, and always be open to new experiences!


Divya- You make me smile. The way you work to solve other's problems while uncovering their true feelings makes me wonder if you're secretly a spy. You are bright and insightful, truly a "Tiger, Tiger burning bright." Throughout the classes I've had with you I've come to marvel at how you can get things done...when you have to (mulitple calc homeworks in a night) and the perspectives you share that weren't thought of before. You'll always be our Mock Trial "closer," quick on your feet and nimble with your words, weaving an intricate trap that no team could easily escape. At college, have fun, make new friends, and be amazing at everything you attempt, but remember that while an all nighter may be effective, that doesn't necessarily make it the best study option!


Larry- Stay exactly who you are! Your innocence makes me laugh and also shake my head. Your willingness to try new things reminds me to be outgoing even if I think I'll embarrass myself. I have yet to meet anyone impersonate the ghost of King Hamlet quite like you can! Your kind nature towards everyone you meet is remarkable and your persistence even when you get frustrated will carry you far. As you go off to find your place in the world, academics will be an area in which you excel and friends will flock to your amusing and care-free spirit. Stay confident in who you are and maybe even try out for a sport; you never know what you could be great at!


I wish all the seniors well and I'm sure you will do astonishing things! Remember your high school friends and keep in touch. Don't change for anyone and know that you have made my life richer and brighter with your unique personalities, crazy antics, and wise advice.

I give up. Mom and Dad, you win. Happy?

When you don't know the context...

So my dad comes up to me today and says "Hey Sami, go to the google and search "dog bin laden."

All I could think was that maybe someone had like photo shopped some stuff together and he thought it was funny so I told him I would do it later. But he was insistent so I reluctantly opened up a new page and completed his request mentally shaking my head at how annoying he was, but it wasn't something stupid at all. Turns out the first one to go into Bin Laden's compound was a specially trained dog with a Kevlar vest and a camera. They're trained to sniff out bombs, find anyone in the buildings they're sent into and provide surveillance for the men waiting to go in. The article went on to talk about how they have been used in the past and how these dogs have saved countless lives. I thought that was very cool and was surprised that it wasn't something meaningless.

I know most people probably don't really care that dogs are helping out in combat/special operations, but I was surprised at all they could do beyond the general K9 police unit, and very grateful for all their hard work. I guess that's why we call them "man's best friend."