To all student councils,

Thank you. Thank you, honestly, for all you do. I know personally how grateful I am to have been part of such a wonderful organization in high school. But also nearly all of the friends I've met here and people I've encountered along the way would agree.

Not once have I heard a negative comment about the organization or statement of regret about being involved in such a wonderful program. In fact the only regret I've heard was that of not getting more involved.

As a member of MASC throughout my four years of high school, I got the full experience. I went to regional, state, and national conferences. I got the opportunity to travel, to learn, and (most importantly) to meet so many amazing people, including some of my best friends.

So thank you, student council. Thank you for introducing me to people of different races, gender, ethnicities, backgrounds, geographic locations, and social classes. Thank you for bringing me closer to people I would never have imagined myself being friends with. Thank you for allowing me to see the world from another person's point of view. Thank you for opening my mind to new ideas and new ways of thinking. Thank you for making me a more cultured individual.

Thank you for continuous positivity. Thank you for making me constantly laugh and for making it impossible to stop smiling. The energizers, motivational speakers, positive reinforcement from the advisors/ counselors/ etc., and encouragement from my fellow council members made it impossible to be negative.

Thank you for welcoming everybody. Student Council was a place where everyone could find someone like them and feel included. It was such a wonderful thing to look around and see literally everyone talking to someone. And if by some crazy chance there was someone who was seen off to the side and not participating, it would only last for a good 0.3 seconds before they were pulled into the circle to 'ride the pony', called out to 'show us how to get down', or simply approached by someone who offered them a welcoming conversation admist the loud and crazy atmosphere.

Thank you for reminding me that a leadership position is not necessary to make changes. Regardless of titles, if we put our minds to something we are passionate about, we are able to "be the change we want to see in the world", as Ghandi said.

Thank you for carefree celebrations and life lessons. Thank you for letting me enjoy myself while simultaneously giving me wisdom and worldly experience. Thank you for the forever friends I have made and the memories I will never forget.

You will always hold a special place in my heart & the hearts of many

Thank you so much,

student council alum