Five members of the Class of 2023 delivered their senior speeches within the past week in the Berry Performing Arts Center. Aiden Lee ’23 (pictured), Giselle Lee ’23, Zackary Dort ’23, Naischa Puri ’23 and Phyllis Liu ’23 shared meaningful messages with the audience.
Aiden acknowledged that trying new things can be daunting but described how trying sushi, working out at the gym and attending LA have changed his life in the past few years. He’s developed a craving for sushi, gained more confidence through strength conditioning and benefited from a great Upper School education.
Giselle spoke about her relentless pursuit of “doing more and being better” due to a fear of failure. She has learned that all types of experiences contribute to growth and strength and now accepts that occasional failure can be a good life lesson.
Zackary admitted he’s never been a fan of change but has learned to embrace it after his most recent big change. Transferring to LA a few years ago during the pandemic turned out to be very positive since his new school “feels more like a family and the curriculum is better.”
Naischa reflected on her life as a “string of todays” instead of wondering “what if” as she was long ago cautioned by her first grade teacher not to ask that question. She has chosen the journey and process over the destination and closed with the famous phrase “Que sera, sera” and her translation – what is meant to be, will be.
Phyllis shared her love of bubble tea beverages as a metaphor for many meaningful things in her life. She has found something she truly enjoys that also works as a conversation starter, reward or celebration of an accomplishment, and an adventure to keep trying new things.