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Anonymous Stories #2:
​The Class of 2022

Maya Banks, May 2022

These are honest answers from the class of 2022.
​Before this class had to go, I just had to get their thoughts on GBCP.
​
Q.1: If you could change anything about Brooks, what would it be?

Having us wake up later in the morning and making Friday a half day.

These staff who are inconsiderate to children. 

The amount of space. We don’t even really have a library or a place to study.  We either study in the hallway or in the “fake library.”  And organization. This school is unorganized: they wanted money ASAP for prom. They should’ve told us that prior to deciding on what place they wanted to host prom.


Q.2: How do you feel about life after high school?

I’m optimistic about it. Like, I am a little worried because I feel like, “What if I’m not prepared?” or “What if people are smarter than me?” But then, at the same time, I feel confident in my capabilities and how the school has prepared us for college readiness and things like that. 

It’s going to be different because I won’t have my parents to hover over me like a hoverboard -- get it? I’m going to be on my own with the Lord and whoever will be in my circle. 

I’m excited to get this [senior year] over with. This was fun, this was cute, but I’m ready to do something else now.

I feel like as much as I talk about Brooks, they actually prepared me a lot for college -- especially this year because we had to do a lot of ten-page papers, research papers, and learn about biology! The rigor this year prepared us even though we struggled.

I feel like high school gave me the needed experience of some of the real world. Like how brutal it can be but also how nice it could be. It was a needed experience to help me grow as a person and just. . .flourish, you know? It made me really want to be a better person in society. I feel really good about the future. I’m excited about college. It’s just that new phase in your life where you can actually be yourself since it’s a new place. 


​Q.3: Any advice for underclassmen? 

Get your work done when it’s due, ‘cause when them due dates come, the teachers are stressing out and there’s nothing they can do. And I hate to see people blame the teachers for it when it’s work they could’ve done, so get your stuff done.

Stay to yourself and don’t procrastinate. Stay on top of your work ‘cause it’s easier to get stuff done instead of waiting.

Study hard. Studying is super, super important. But making time for extracurriculars is also important. Be involved. Get to know people. That can go a long way and bring you lots of opportunities. Personal statements: getting to know yourself and other people is what high school is all about. Get to know who you are and where you fit in society. Get to know your identity.

Take Dual Enrollment classes over AP classes because you get them credits either way whether you pass or fail finals -- as long as your grades are good. You have a better chance at passing and get more credits. Take advantage of the opportunity because college is expensive. Apply to scholarships and try to join programs that offer them. Don’t be lazy like I was. Most importantly, don’t stress. Be chill.


Q.4: What teacher has made the most impact on your life and why?

Mr. Clark P. Morgan. You can tell he truly cares and he provided another parental figure.

Dr. Brown. She has made an impact on me because she teaches life lessons.

Mostly, Mr. Mullooly. When I had AP Gov, that’s when Corona started and I was stressing about the AP test and everything in general. He was always there to help me prepare, read my essays, and give words of encouragement for the class in general. During the pandemic, he was one of the teachers who stayed consistent. 

Ms. David. She’s more of a person than a teacher. She feels very mom-like. You can go to her for anything. She feels very comfortable to me and is just really nice.

Mr. Mullooly.

William B. Ejzak and Mr. Dunning. Mr. Ejzak is the nicest teacher I ever had. He’s a person as well as a teacher. A lot of teachers are not actual people, if that makes sense. He tries his best to understand the situation you’re in, so he’s not constantly putting pressure on you. He doesn’t want things his way. If you need a modification, he’ll work with you through it. And Mr. Dunning because his honesty is refreshing to me. I learned a lot in AP Bio, even as I was online when I took it. As a biology major, that makes me feel prepared for college.

Ms. David. She’s my Dual Credit English teacher and I only had her for this year, but she’s really a great person. She taught me a good amount of stuff about English. Personally, she always had great energy every time I came into the classroom. That showed me that I should start being more positive in life because although there are hardships along the way, I should just be more optimistic and stop complaining about things that are out of my control. 


Q.5: Most memorable moment at Brooks?

Dancing. Being a dancer and getting on the dance team.

The water fights! Around the end of the school year, we used to have water fights, and it would be so fun. It brings us more opportunities to connect with each other. The weather’s been nice, so that’s a big thing to look forward to.

I feel like I’m more myself around people that I’m really close with. My friends see the real me. The friendships that I built have allowed me to be me without being afraid of being made fun of.
Congratulations class of 2022!

MAYA BANKS

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  • Home
    • Hispanic Heritage Month >
      • Mexican Independence Day
      • Hispanic Artists
      • El Día de los Muertos - FAQ
      • Hispanic Authors
    • Black History Month Collection >
      • Angelica Dass: The Nature of Color
      • Chicago's Historian, My Father
      • Top 3 Black Artists
      • Pain For Profit
      • Black Historical Figures
      • Hiding Behind the Strength
    • Women's History Month >
      • Books Written by Women
      • women are amazing
      • A Celebration Of Women's Achievements
      • Anonymous Stories: Women’s History Month
    • PODCAST >
      • Love & Dating
      • All Things Black History
    • Teacher's Corner >
      • Teacher's Corner: Gordon
      • Teacher's Corner: Ejzak
      • Teacher's Corner: David
      • Teacher's Corner: Wilde
    • Sports/Clubs
    • Student Businesses
    • Resources >
      • LGBTQ+ Resources
  • Meet Us
    • Socials >
      • Google Forms
  • This Month
    • Cooking Corner: Mega Ravioli
    • Anonymous Stories #2: The Class of 2022
    • Transcripts of the Woman Panel Interview
    • Op-Eds >
      • Why Father’s Day Gets The Short End Of The Stick
      • The Decline of Netflix
      • Botanical Sexism
      • The Art of Conlanging- Part 1: Creating A Language
      • Spirituality or Escapism?
    • Media Reviews >
      • Review of Sonic World
      • Heartstopper
      • Dr. Strange in the multiverse of madness review
      • The Disney+ Percy Jackson Series Cast Is Amazing And Here's Why
      • How Arcane Writes Fathers
      • How Ladybird Potrays the Complexity of Motherhood
      • SZA's Best Songs In Honor of Her Retirement
      • Every Day/Another Day Review
      • Sonic 2
    • Location Reviews >
      • Ja Grill
    • Sports Panel >
      • "Greatest" vs. "Best"
      • How Steph Curry changed the way we play basketball
  • Featured Article
  • Farewell Articles
    • College Application Process Advice
    • Never Say Goodbye
    • Departing OPED
    • The Ultimatum
    • Four Years at Brooks
    • Becoming ME!!!