And That’s a Wrap!

Laughter, tears, joy, grit, fun, and hard work; these are all words to describe the Brentwood of 2018-2019. Meeting new friends, making memories with old ones, and going to school events are all factors that have influenced this phenomenal year, as well as getting ready for university, studying for exams, and occasionally freaking out about our futures. Some Brentwood highlights of the year, according to Grace L, are “Watching all of the fun interhouse events, such as airband, impromptu speaking and acapella, little big sister events in the house, and all of the open houses throughout the year”.  Of course, with the year ending, we unfortunately see members of our Brentwood community leave as well, such as Mrs Carr, Mr Felix, Mrs Felix, Mrs Patel, and Ms Martin. Not to mention the Grad Class of 2019!  But as old doors close, so too will new ones open, and Brentwood will open its gates to new students and faculty who will contribute their own unique ideas and interests to the Brentwood family. This year has come and gone fast, but has also consisted of so many new and old traditions, such as our annual Brentwood BBQs, concerts, musical, sports events, field trips, in-house assassins, open houses, fun and games during orientation, hundreds of meals thanks to the amazing chefs in the cafeteria, Regatta, bonfires, midterm breaks, art shows, sport days, academic classes, assemblies, and Grad, BEAT, SPARC and SAC events. This year would not have been possible if not for our amazing houseparents, teachers, food services staff, cleaning and laundry staff, transportation staff, Mr Patel, Mr Felix, and all of the people who work so hard to make Brentwood what it is. And of course, this year would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the Brentwood students, planning events, taking on leadership roles, and supporting one another through difficult and happy times.  Brentwood is always going to be changing, adapting, innovating, and modernizing its ways, and I am excited to see what is in store for the school in the upcoming years. However, no matter how different Brentwood is in ten or twenty years, it will always be the same community. “From hand to hand”, because once a Brentonian, always a Brentonian. Just because you leave, it doesn’t mean your journey is over, it just means that you are opening a new door that will lead you onto a new journey.  In the words of T.S. Eliot, “What we call a beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” As we exit these Brentwood gates, we will enter a new beginning, but Brentwood will always be here, waiting to welcome us back home. Ameera E, Allard ‘19