Congratulations, Batch Of 2018

Guys, we did it. School is over and so is IB. Years of cribbing about homework and projects and whatnot. Specifically the last two years of IAs and EEs, Managebac and TOK. It’s done. We did it. I know results aren’t out yet and we don’t actually know how we have performed. But I know it’s all paid off. We’ve learnt so much. Beyond the basic education. We’ve learnt about each other, we’ve learnt about ourselves, and we’ve had a sneak peek at real life.

The past two years haven’t been a rollercoaster but in fact an entire theme park. Not just in terms of juggling academics, but also emotionally and mentally. My classmates have seen me through the various turmoils and hurdles and breakdowns. And I can’t thank you all enough for getting me through those days. 

We have all come so far, as individuals and as a class. We couldn’t have done that alone. We have our teachers to thank for their patience, their constant push and faith that we could do this. And of course, extending deadline and last minute uploads. We have our families to thank for giving us the last bit of motivation we needed. Thank you for tolerating all our tantrums and believing in me. Especially you, Ishaan. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for pushing me to be my best. Thank you for all that you have done to ensure that I get such a fantastic education. 

Lastly, we have ourselves to thank. For holding each other together. I don’t think I’m alone when I say this: our class was a breath of fresh air amongst all the chaos—of course, it goes without saying that we were the cause of most of the chaos, too. I sincerely hope that years down the line, we still cause the same chaos and feel the same comfort because we have become a family and family is forever. I want us to promise to keep in touch, no matter where life takes us.

As a class, I know we weren’t always the closest but we have become so. I have come to realise that no matter all our differences, each one of us is incredible and will go on to do incredible things. Maybe we don’t know what and maybe we don’t know, how. I know that what’s going to face us now will be tremendous and overwhelming. We will be faced with questions and interrogated relentlessly about the future, about our careers. But often the most complicated questions have the simplest answers. Do what you love and I promise you, we will move mountains. 

It’s the end of school but not the end of the world. Things will start happening around us at a pace we can’t follow because life beyond the walls of the school is frantic and fast and we might not be able to keep up. But it’s okay, because when everything around you starts happening, inevitably so will you. And you will find your footing. 

There’s a fire burning inside us. Let’s not put it out because we’re afraid of getting burnt.

Let’s seize every experience, every opportunity that comes our way. Let’s let ourselves grow, fearlessly. We’re the voice and we’re the future. Let’s make some noise and not live in fear.

Because this is where it begins for us. 

We read Dr Seuss growing up but now his words still work magic on us. We are all off to great places. And today is our day. The mountains are waiting, so let’s get on our way.

Congratulations, Batch of 2018!