Dear Archbishop Carroll,
Thank you for two great years of opportunity and fun. After stepping onto campus for the first time last year, I had no idea what to expect. Being a transfer student, I did not know how my classmates would react to an incoming junior transfer, so I did what any other shy student would do and stayed quiet throughout my classes. Because of this, I almost lost the opportunity of getting to know the people around me which would have been a huge mistake. It did not take much time for my peers to realize that I was a new student, and a few of them decided to talk to me. From then on I met a vast amount of great classmates, teachers, and staff who have really helped me throughout my two years at Carroll.
I will always be grateful for the select few who made an effort to get to know me. It made a huge impact on my outlook at school, and I really started to become excited about going to school each day. As a result of these few classmates getting to know me, I was able to step out of my comfort zone more and more as my time here at Carroll went on. As I became more comfortable with Carroll as a whole, I made sure to capitalize on the opportunities this school has offered me. I decided to go on the Kairos retreat earlier this year, while also indulging in clubs after school. This helped me meet more people who I hope to keep relationships with after I graduate. To any upcoming seniors and juniors, the Kairos retreat is a life-changing experience. I can wholeheartedly say that Kairos changed my life for the better, and it will be an experience that you will never forget if you decide to partake in it. As for the other clubs and activities at Carroll, stepping out of your comfort zone like I did is a great way to make and grow friendships that will last forever. A big reason why I feel so happy at Carroll is because of the social opportunities the clubs at Carroll have to offer. If you are on the fence about joining a club or activity at Carroll, take into consideration the benefits of the club/activity you are thinking about joining.
As I look back at my two years at Carroll, I encourage all of you to make the most out of your time in high school. It may sound cliche, but time flies when you are having fun. The most important thing that I can relay to underclassmen is to strive for success, but have fun while you are doing it. Making the most out of whatever it is you are doing is a great way to enrich your memories that you have, and will continue to create during your time at Carroll. You really do not realize how fast time goes by until you are counting the days till graduation. These past two years have been filled with memories that I will neve forget, and I hope to continue to make new ones as my final days at Caroll come to an end.
Thank you for everything,
Luke Buckland
