By Jackson Mendoza ‘23
Senior year has come and gone, thankfully.
Brother Rice has been an experience that will prepare me for the next chapter of my life. It has been the place where I have not only gotten a great education, but also valuable life lessons.
I came into Brother Rice as a shy kid who did not know a single student in any classes. Now, four years later, I am much more confident and proud of who I am.
My senior year started off with the best part of the year, golf season. I have been fortunate enough to be able to be a member of the golf team for all four years. Playing golf has taught me so much more than I could have ever imagined when I first started playing. Golf has given me the opportunity to meet so many great people and be able to connect with them on a personal level.
My most memorable moment I experienced during my high school golf career was before my first match. I was incredibly nervous and could barely swing the club. Coach Ade noticed this and came over to calm my nerves. Coach Ade said, “There is no reason to be nervous for this match. You are going to play in one hundred matches way more important than this one.” I took this quote to heart and was never nervous for another match ever again.
I had many memorable moments in my senior year, including playing at many great country clubs, chipping on the football field during fan fest, and, of course, going to a Harry Styles concert.
Does going to a Harry Styles concert have anything to do with Brother Rice? No.
Was it the best part of my senior year? Yes.
I could go on and on about how Harry Styles got me through my senior year, but this story would be way too long.
I am very grateful for the great schedule I had for my senior year. I had wonderful teachers who were always enthusiastic about bringing the best out of their students. I also got to leave school early every day which was pretty cool.
I am beyond excited to attend the University of Iowa next fall, and I feel prepared thanks to Brother Rice. The University of Iowa has been my dream college ever since my first day of high school. Brother Rice got me to the point where I was able to succeed enough to be accepted into my dream college.
My time at Brother Rice is something that I will never forget. Through all the good times and the bad, I learned many lessons that I will use in my everyday life. I honestly feel that I cherished my four years of high school and am happy with how they went.
I hope that I left a positive impact on Brother Rice and will be remembered for putting Brother Rice in a positive light.
