Jorge Luis Borges, well known author in Spanish literature once said, “Siempre me he imaginado que el Paraíso será una especie de biblioteca.” This famous quote, translated into English, “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library,” has a very profound meaning in which not only could be interpreted in various forms but can be expressed in various ways. After studying Borges for two years, this quote has become very significant to me as I believe it best reflects my past four years at Malden High School.
From freshman orientation the start of 2015 to the last day of senior year, my high school experience has included discovering more about myself and sharing unforgettable memories with past and current peers. In addition, I have been able to interact and develop relationships with staff and faculty inside and outside of MHS that have assisted me outside of the classroom whether it is sharing helpful skills or advising me in difficult situations.
As I, along with my fellow peers in the class of 2019, begin to transition out from Malden High School, we begin to wonder, what does the future hold? Some will go on to become doctors who save lives, while others will serve our nation in the military and others still will become professional businessmen or women, but the most important aspect of all is looking back on our pasts and reflecting how far we have come.
Growing up from district to district or all twelve years within Malden Public Schools, we can all look back and determine the various challenges we have overcome and learned from. No matter if you have spent the past four years at MHS or have only spent your first here, we are all connected through the culture of Malden and can all say we have contributed to this culture, contributing to community events or creating new additions.
Malden overall is well recognized, and a large contributor to this reputation was forged by the student body of Malden High School, addressing national, political and local conflicts. From my perspective, I think I speak on behalf of the student body when I say that MHS has an array of staff and faculty that contribute to the accepting and challenging environment and assist students in finding their identities and thriving amidst change.
It is nearly impossible that any individual visiting MHS could find a student who is not involved in any extracurricular activities, whether it is being a member of a club or a student athlete. Being able to learn and apply those skills outside of the classroom is one attribute a student is able to display, but being involved and making a difference is an experience that can’t be simulated by anyone.
It is a surreal feeling thinking after four years of classes and extracurricular activities, we are moving on into the real world and moving forward with our lives. For the most part, it’s a bittersweet feeling going on to better opportunities and bringing friends and family alongside to get over the new obstacles.
Like the library Jorge Luis Borges described as a paradise, Malden High School and the class of 2019 contains an array of different books and genres which is represented by every student and their backgrounds. You might pick up a book, read it, and return it to the library, but never forget the story that book told and that is the exact analogy I associate with Malden High School, my fellow peers and all staff and faculty, too.
This isn’t a “goodbye,” but instead a “see you later.” Here’s to the past four years, and the next that are to come!
