Senior Reflection: Iris Kuo
Photo Credit: Erin Nakamura
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Iris Kuo, Editor-in-Chief
June 7, 2012
Filed under Features
As a proud daughter of `Iolani, I’ve been here for 13 years. So theoretically, I should have learned everything there is to learn about the school, right?
Wrong.
But there are more than a couple of lessons that I’ve learned in my time here.
For example, I’ve learned that if you stand in Sullivan Courtyard near the end of period 5 on a day when the cafeteria’s serving its famous mochiko chicken, you might catch a glimpse of a madman bursting out of the Weinberg doors and sprinting towards the cafeteria with a student chasing after him.
I’ve learned that it’s possible to teach at one place for 50 years and still exude your passion for the subject as if it were your first year.
I’ve learned that in Spanish, you never use the present subjunctive after si.
I’ve learned that going back to visit your kindergarten teachers is the equivalence of instant happiness.
I’ve learned that a good teacher can make all the difference.
I’ve learned that if you smile at Bernard Ching, he’ll not only smile back, but enthusiastically greet you every time you see him afterwards.
I’ve learned that bagels, Nutella, and almond butter are essential if you want to get the print PDFs out by deadline.
I’ve learned that the best stories are the ones that don’t initially seem like stories.
I’ve learned that for me, the key to happiness is doing what you love. Whether that means having breakfast at school with one of your best friends, coming late to school because you were chatting with your parents, taking pictures on bridges with your preschool bestie, starting a Science Olympiad team, learning how to make a glass plate in your last week of high school, performing in a chamber music recital, or something really crazy, like writing for Imua, always remember to do things because you like them. Not because it’ll look good on your college resume or because someone told you to do it.
I’ve learned that it’s much more important to maintain your values than your grades.
I’ve learned that there are a lot of different ways to get to the same destination. And that it’s more than okay to not know what your destination is.
I’ve learned that it’s impossible to do it on your own. There are a number of people who’ve helped me along the way. My sister, Emily, is the best sister I could ever ask for. She always knows exactly what to say, whether it’s to cheer me up, celebrate an accomplishment, encourage me to keep going, or help me put things in perspective. My mom is my sturdiest supporter, and most of the best advice I’ve received comes from her. My dad is my number one cheerleader. He never fails to make me smile . My friends have always supported me and can always make me laugh. My teachers and mentors have guided me throughout my years here and have taught me so much more than their classes’ material.
I’ve learned that there’s nothing that’s so big of a deal that you need to feel like it’s the end of the world if it doesn’t go how you want it to.
The most important lesson I’ve learned here, though, is that learning only ends when you want it to. There’s too much in the world waiting for us to learn, explore, and discover. So my advice? Go for it.
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