Noel Wang, Carleton College

“You are worthy and you are more powerful than you think you are. Even if you don’t really believe it, live “be who you are and be that well” because I believe in you, and somewhere, someone (maybe even your future self) does, too. You won’t ever regret being yourself to the best of your current ability. Love your family, your friends, and your mentors and tell them. Be grateful, balanced, and angry when you have to be. Talk to your teachers and your family members. Do *it*, whatever it is. Go wild. Cut your hair. Join something new. Change your name, your appearance, anything. If meeting or exceeding expectations is too much or not enough, defy them. Learn as much as you can. You don’t have to fight every fight, but you have the right to feel as much as you need to. Remember that your fate has never been completely decided, and never can be. The future isn’t a doorway, or a stage, or a dark night sky—it’s whatever you need it to be and you have the ability to shape it.”

To Mairin O’Shaughnessy: I will you George, the programming cart, Michael, the mouse, the Programming sub-team itself (and Haley Vevey!) and the two, lovely laptops (#thinkpads #vsc), RJ Jones, poetry, and of course, Non-Codae, Sed Vitae!

RJ Jones: I will you the future of the Robettes, lots of bravery and jauntily perched tweed caps, Mairin O’Shaughnessy, and, of course, VISTA. You’re so cool.

To Amaia Walsh: I will you VISTA, backstage left during Midsummer, the eternal scribbling of pencil lightly on a script, and every woodblock from Curious and Sweet Land. Thank you for your kindness, poise, patience, and wonderful sense of humor. You’re amazing.

To Siobhán Dobie: I will you STAND (with Rory and Emily and Lynne and all you other brave people) and I will you the beauty of your courageous poetry. All hail the Poetry Queen!! Keep writing, dear—live deliberately and suck out the marrow of life! Those worlds you’re building are incredible.

To Lynne Hoang: I will you yourself because you’re an incredibly remarkable person, and I admire your strength and courage. I also will you SOCS (along with Alina Lalta) and Mrs. Mooney’s endless supply of Dove chocolates and that iguana?? I wish I hadn’t forgotten its name 🙁 You are so powerful and amazing, and I can’t wait to see where you’ll go!

All Upper School students: Your laptops. Please take care of them :))) and also, back up EVERYTHING

Grace Richardson: I will you The Vis Voice, and Your Voice.

(Honorable Mention: Erika Brandt, I heard you’re a writer. This isn’t really a willing, more so advice—go talk to Mrs. Sutton and join Poets. I don’t think you’ll regret it.)