~:[CH11 - Day 152]:~ Beyond Expectations

 
~:[CH11 - Day 152]:~ Beyond Expectations

It was a crazy year and while it wasn't as exhausting as last year, it was pretty close to it. This weekend, my motivation was kind of low to do work, as I had a pile of things to do, but every time I tried to take a break, I thought of these students, especially these seniors. They faced so much through their years and kept their focus and even kept us on our toes. To have two SGs who I jokingly say, "what now" to when they walk in, you know you have ones who are on top of it and keeping the ship afloat. Before I could think of it, they were already doing so and that's what keeps a program running. Banquet always leaves me a with a happy and heavy heart as we recall the life of Richard Neville. It's great to never forget his life and legacy, but it always hurts a bit to remember the loss we suffered during our final year. He was a strict one, but also one who I learned so much from and who I am today can be attributed to him. Our two SGs exemplified his traits more than ever, as they were on top of it, but also were both fighters. One suffered through such a life-changing moment, yet showed her fight and will to get back up on her feet. Another spent hour after hour reviewing every detail, making sure that everything was in order conference after conference. I laugh as the latter almost didn't continue MUN after her freshman year and I employed the troops to keep her around no matter how determined she was to leave. In the end, we focused on these two in the end, but the entirety of this senior class and this program made this year happen. The hours that students volunteered to chair committees, train delegates from other countries, to research and prepare for conference and the weekends sacrificed for conference after conference. It's not an easy task, but they do it and they do it well. In the end, many may not get an award at a conference, but as I always say, I will be proud of them if they represented their country policy well, got engaged in committee and truly did their best. While awards are a great incentive, the learning and growth of a student matter the most. When I look at the changes my students make through a year, but even more so through a three to four year career, I just smile knowing all the amazing things that wait for them ahead. The skills and confidence they gain in this program is unmatched and a lot of it is attributed to the amazing students we are gifted. As I said in my closing speech, when they leave, they will not all be headed towards becoming a politician, rather they will be doctors, lawyers, teachers, programmers, chefs, actors and more, but regardless of what they become, I am confident that they will excel in whatever path they decide to choose, as they'll be able to use a range of resources they gained these past four years. I am so proud of them and they truly ended their careers beyond all expectations.