I remember when I shadowed at Carroll in eighth grade how welcoming it was. Students would go out of their way to say hello to me. When I would tell people that experience, they’d say, “Oh, they were told to do that.” I’ve learned in these four years how untrue that is. No student is told to do that. They just know how much of an impact it has on a shadow. Carroll lived up to that welcoming in my time here. 

It’s not like we were coddled, either. Teachers made sure to challenge us so we can get the most out of ourselves. Most importantly, though, every one of the teachers I’ve had genuinely cared about us and how we did academically. They never have any problem with giving extra help to those who need it. Many of them even made their classes enjoyable. I’ll surely miss Mr. Cimorelli calling me a leprechaun, our arguments with Mrs. Gimpel, and even Mr. Kirsch putting me on the spot for tough math problems. 

The camaraderie between the students, teachers, staff, and basically everyone is amazing to me. A bad day can easily turn into a good one at Carroll. I am no doubt prepared for college because of my time here and happy looking back on it. 

I don’t have much else to say, so I’ll leave it on a Michael Scott-style goodbye, for all you “Office fans out there.” (Just google “goodbye toby” if you don’t get the reference.)

It was early morning yesterday, I was up before the dawn

And I really have enjoyed my stay, but I must be movin’ on

Goodbye Carroll, it’s been nice, hope you find your paradise

Tried to see your point of view, hope your dreams will all come true

Goodbye Carroll, we will ever meet again

Feel no sorrow, feel no shame

Come tomorrow, feel no pain

— Aidan O’Connor