By Andrew Jacome, middle school teacher at Alma del Mar: Sarah D. Ottiwell Campus
A leap of faith, that’s really what life is. Nine years ago, many of you walked through Alma’s doors for the first time. You didn’t know what to expect. Some of you were so nervous you cried and clung tightly to your parents. Others were so excited that you ran in through the doors and didn’t look back.
In that moment it were your families that took a leap of faith. They trusted us with their entire world. So if you’ll allow me, I’d like to speak to them for just a moment. For years, we’ve been taking care of these kids, your kids. Making sure they were loved. That they were cared for, and that they felt like they belonged wherever they wanted to be. You trusted us to teach them to read, to write, and to ask questions. And boy did they ask a lot of questions. We watched them grow up day in and day out. You trusted us with who they would become and to help develop their dreams. So thank you.
And to the Class of 2033: Your dreams grew right in front of our eyes. Some of you want to be lawyers reuniting immigrant families, others doctors and nurses who care for children and newborns. Some of you dream simply of giving back to those who gave everything for you. But what fills us with the greatest pride is every single one of you wants to help others. Now you want to go on to the world and do great big things. And I believe with all my heart that you will.
But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little worried. Not everyone out there will look out for you the way we have. They might not listen to you with the same care. They might not laugh with you, or cry with you, or show up early to make pancakes like Ms. Carr. They might not stay late for movie nights and school dances like Mr. Santos and Mr. Farnworth. The world may seem harder than you expected. You may feel, at times, like you have to do it all on your own.
When that moment comes, I want you to pause. Think back to that little kid on their first day at Alma whether it was in kindergarten or just a few years ago. Wherever you go next, promise me you’ll take care of that child. The one who lit up when they learned to read in Ms. Depina’s class, or beamed with pride after finishing a masterpiece in Ms. Dooher’s art room. The one who believed anything was possible. Hold onto their joy. Their wonder. Their hope.
Make sure they always remember where they came from, because this will always be your home. Promise you’ll never let them forget how deeply they were loved here. And never, ever let anyone make them feel like they don’t belong. In those moments of doubt, come home. Alma will always be here for you, we will always be here for you.
Remember that in this life we always have a choice, and we can always choose to do what's right. Many of you have already been making those choices, every single day. I know, because I’ve watched you growing, maturing, becoming the thoughtful, kind, and respectful young people sitting here today. I’ve taught you nearly everything I could, and yes, with every ounce of patience I had! In Social Studies, we learned that the world isn’t always as kind as we hoped, and that there are and will be dark days. But we also learned something else: that people can make a difference.
So let me leave you with one last lesson, and I promise this will be the last thing you ever have to learn from me. The world around us needs saving, and that’s why the world needs… you. You have the power to do great things, and with great power comes great responsibility. So make me a hero’s promise. Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good. Not just do well, I mean do good. To the Class of 2033… class dismissed.