Samantha Almeida, ‘26
I have been at KO for a long time. Not quite as long as the Seven-Year Seniors, but long enough that the last few years have felt as if I were through trudging waist-deep thick mud. Still, reflecting on my KO experience, I recognize that I have both grown tremendously as a person and a student. In celebration of Commencement in only 12 days (from when I am writing this), these are my five main takeaways from my high school years.
- Adventuring.
Trying new things is never easy. It is the act of pivoting and changing course, breaking the pattern or habit, and beginning again. I’ll never forget deciding to join Forensic Union in my junior year, and was mentored by the fantástica Señora Croes. The club where creativity was only matched by humor and a willingness to take confident risks. I am so glad that I joined Forensic Union. Then, this year, after having never swung a golf club, I joined the KO Girls Golf Team. I can assure you that this was certainly one of the best decisions I could’ve made. I wish I had done it sooner. Being taught by the kind and thoughtful Mrs. Green has been a highlight; she is a shining example of what it means to be a coach. If you are new to KO, or even if you are not, you should always look to be adventurous.
- Dudes & Darlings of the Graduating Class.
One of KO’s main pitches to incoming students is that it prepares them for college and the workforce. I didn’t think that it would be so literal. It is no secret at KO that my grade is more than a little lopsided in terms of gender. If you do the math, I believe that percentage-wise, the class of 2026 is anywhere between 60 – 65% male. You would think that the administration would endeavor to support the smaller girl population in the grade. No. Instead, just last week, KO hosted a speaker who appealed to the male students, explaining how they can “find themselves” in a world where American boys are “lost.” Are we serious? Of course, last year, the administration was quick to tell me that female students have a club (all respect to Power of Women, which is an amazing club that you should join). But we shouldn’t be relegated to only a club when male students are consistently pandered to regardless of form. Teachers can be biased, athletic programs can be biased, and the students are certainly biased– this is a problem that has not been competently addressed.
- Inspirational Teachers–
I have had, over the course of my four years, many standout teachers at KO. My life has been irreparably changed by a few. This section can be read as a love letter to these teachers. To Mr. Baker and his difficult but engaging Modern World sophomore year class- you single-handedly reignited my love of history. It was here that I started seriously considering majoring in history. To Mr. Jones, immediately in the following year, my love of history was solidified because of your teaching. Sarcasm and wit were welcomed in your classroom, and were also returned with a cleverer response. To Mrs. Caswell, the best advisor and the best champion of students, if I could’ve had you all four years, I would’ve. To various foreign language teachers, I would pick one, but it was truly each member of the Spanish and Latin departments. I was told not to add a language by the school and my father, but what a mistake that would’ve been. My passion for language will continue based on the foundation that you have laid. Gracias, et vale!
- –Or Not, Professor ChatGPT.
The biggest irony I’ve encountered at KO- and there are quite a few- is the policies on AI versus the actual uses. Students are strictly prohibited from utilizing ChatGPT, Gemini, or any AI technology. The irony is born when these same adults, who forbid the use of AI, actually use it for creating a curriculum, grading essays, and class discussions. How do I know? I’ve seen it happen. I see the tabs open onto Chat, I see the prompts accidentally displayed, and I’ve recognized key AI phrases in homework. I’m all for teachers utilizing helpful tools, but I do think that the use of AI should be disclosed to students. Teaching is one of the most important jobs there is. When teachers use AI, they are generalizing students and themselves in a plainly harmful way. Although there may be good intentions, there is a moral obligation for teachers to disclose AI usage when dealing with students. In any functioning society, transparency is key.
- Student friends.
You are the yin to my yang, the sun to my moon, you complete my Rat Pack, and I am forever thankful for having the chance to meet you all. I know I drove you nuts with my Batman obsession, and Star Wars, and later Captain America, and my contrarian ways, but I believe that friends complete a person. You all own a piece of my heart.
Fellow wyverns, it has been four long years. But it’s been quite a journey, and I am glad that I took it.
A D I O S!
