By Ernest Wolf, staff writer
Dear Galileo,
I’ve had mixed feelings about you for a while, but at the end of the day you did a lot for me. You’ve introduced me to some amazing people, allowed for me to create unforgettable memories, and given me a decent education in the process.
I still remember meeting you for the first time. It was the fall of 2016 and I was just a nervous 8th grader excited to get started on my high school adventure. You let me visit your different classes and get a feel for what you would be like. The most memorable part of that day was seeing the amazing view from the third floor hallway that overlooks the bay. I saw it as a symbol for the bright future Galileo had in store for me. That was the first of many memories I would make with you. From the good to the bad to the embarrassing to the funny, I’ve felt all of it with you.
One of my favorite memories we created was when we got yelled at by the umpires during one of our baseball games freshman year. Our entire team had gotten a little bit too rowdy and we were using some words we probably shouldn’t have been using so the umpire had to deal with us. It was such a funny and memorable day. OH! Also, do you remember that time in junior year psychology when our whole class pooled in to have a pizza party? That was so much fun.
It wasn’t all great with you though. I won’t ever forget the anxiety and stress I felt while taking honors chemistry sophomore year. Every night was exhausting, I would have at least an hour of homework from that class alone! At least I learned a ton and ended up passing the class. I’ll also never forget the embarrassment I felt when my pants ripped wide open during PE class sophomore year. Looking back on it; however, it was pretty funny.
You not only gave me a multitude of both positive and negative memories, but you also changed me as a person. As most large public high schools do, you forced me out of my social and intellectual comfort zones. You allowed me to challenge myself intellectually by taking rigorous courses and socially by forcing me to talk to new people and make friends. I am now much more comfortable with who I am. That is not something everyone can say, so I’m eternally grateful for that.
Anyways, this past year hasn’t been the same without you. For a while, it felt like a part of me was missing, especially at the start of quarantine. I can’t help but imagine how different my life would be right now if the coronavirus pandemic had never happened and you never got shut down. The possibilities are endless. What doors would have opened for me? What opportunities would have been presented to me? What memories could I have made with you? One can only wonder.
Well, I guess after 4 years the time has come for us to split ways. Although I sometimes have regrets about choosing to go to Galileo, you have been good to me and supplied me with years full of happy memories. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you Galileo, and for that I thank you.
Sincerely,
Ernest Wolf c/o 2021
