Dear Archbishop Bergan School,

Nearing the time of graduation I couldn’t wait to get out and get away. I still don't want to come back BUT I’ll apologize on behalf of all alums for saying how much we hated it. Now that I look back I realize that my small catholic school upbringing was not all that bad.

Thank you for giving me a huge family varying from kids in kindergarten, to seniors, to the faculty. When I went off to college and learned from other students that no one was that close I felt some pride start to emerge from within. I think that knowing everyone back then has made me a more social person so I make an effort to know everyone wherever I go. Thank you for the Class of 2015. We may not be as close as we once were, but all 30-some graduates are friendly faces I can turn to and joke about all the good and bad things we went through together whenever we run into each other. Thanks for being a little too involved in our personal lives (monitoring social media) because it saved all of us from embarrassing posts that really do affect our futures. I am forever grateful for being able to be participate in literally everything including one act, musicals, sports, dance team, and the various organizations. Being busy and involved so much in high school has forced me to want to get more involved in my university. The community service hours may have been a requirement each year, but I now have genuine love for helping and volunteering. It’s made me a well-rounded human being.

Even though we all hated it at the time, thank you for the Junior Presentation. I’ve had to give several, in-depth presentations and I don’t think I’ve ever been more prepared for something. Thank you for the uniforms because having to pick out clothes now is not a decision I like to make. Thanks for being real with us and trying to make school a little more fun through things like the Anchorman remakes and Lil’ Fez. It’s not very often that your teachers will dress up with mustaches, act out battles with garden tools, or rap with beads and shades on.

Above all, thank you for fostering my relationship with God. I know, in my heart, I would not have the faith I do if it weren’t for attending a catholic school. Going to church every Sunday is about the only consistency I have being a college student. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss hearing all of the students sing “Sanctuary” at school mass.

I’m happy to tell you that my time at Bergan was great, but it certainly wasn’t my peak. I am extremely busy but very pleased with this new chapter of life that you have helped prepare me for. I am beyond blessed to have gone through this school, and I look forward to the rest of my life wherever it takes me.

Sincerely,

Megan