Four years ago I came to RB as an innocent freshman. Since then I, as well as the school, changed. The room where I took freshman Biology no longer exists, and I no longer take science classes. The fact is that, as much as RB has changed, I have changed too. I no longer totally hate English; thank you, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Harsy. Mr. Gouwens, Mr. Fields, and Mr. Beasley only strengthened my enjoyment of the social sciences. I grew a few inches, had a relationship here and there (including the one I’m in now with my beautiful girl friend Nicole Turczak), and found out that kids from Brookfield are actually friendly.
High school, like it does for everyone, had its ups and downs. I never got to witness a legitimate fight, but at the same time I will never forget the feeling I had when I qualified for state and broke the school record.
My experience was not perfect. I didn’t get straight A’s, and I was never considered a really popular kid, but at the end of the day, those things didn’t matter to me. In high school I wanted to do decently well in class, make state in swimming, and meet new people. I’m happy to say that I was able to accomplish these goals and so much more.
To say that I was able to accomplish everything on my own would be unfair. The fact is that there were dozens of people from the administration to the teaching staff to my guidance counselor who helped me succeed. Without their help and support I would not be in the position that I am now. I would like to say thank you to all of those who helped make high school a better experience.
I would like to give a special thanks to my parents. Thank you so much for dealing with relaxed attitude for four years, and helping me become the person that I am today. I could not have done it without you. Thank you.
Throughout my four years at RB, I was able to strengthen my friendship with those that I already knew, while at the same time meet new friends. Thanks for sticking with me for all these years. It’s been a fun time, and I’ll see you guys in the summer: Chris Buh, Elliot Louthen, Trent Baer, Bradley Wilson, Luke Jebb, Christien West, and last but not least Andrew Brondos.
Lastly I would like to give my parting advice to those that will still call RB home for the next few years. What I realize now looking back on high school, is that I spent too much time looking to get out of high school, rather than finding ways to enjoy it. Now that I’m leaving for college, I’m beginning to realize just how much this place meant to me. At the end of the day, you should be looking for reasons to enjoy high school because it’s the end of your child hood, and once it’s over you will never be able to get it back.
Good Bye RB, it’s been fun,
Louis FitzHenry Robling, class of 2011
