Hello LM Students,
Things are going to be a lot different next year. Yeah, well, we keep hearing that. Truth is: things have been changing for a while. The LM that I experienced as a freshman is worlds different than the LM that I have experienced this year. The student body was vibrant and dynamic; the school culture was thriving and engaging. It seemed that few people felt muted or timid; the presence of so many unique and ambitious individuals was liberating. I felt unafraid to be myself, to go to student government meetings, to say “hi” to upperclassmen in the halls, or to approach student government officers when I had an idea. When I saw another student’s artwork hanging in the halls, I wasn’t afraid to compliment him or her when I saw the person later— even if I didn’t know the student, even if I hadn’t spoken to him or her before. When a senior boy basketball player played an awesome game, I saw TSA freshmen members complimenting him in the halls, while he was smiling and thanking them for coming out to see him play. My dream and my intention is to revitalize this spirit at LM. I know that it might seem an improbable goal, but I believe that if we set high goals, we will make incredible achievements. And so, kids of LM, I implore you: come talk to me. Talk to me about your weekend, your problems, and your ideas. Talk to me; talk to my fellow officers; talk to upperclassmen, to kids in your grade that you don’t know, introduce yourself, make connections, smile at people in the halls. Be that freshman that compliments the towering basketball player; be the basketball player that smiles and says thanks. Be yourself next year, and don’t be afraid. Never think of yourself as better than another student; never, ever think of yourself as less than another student. The new building is your new building, so make your mark. There might be things about the new school that you take issue with—in fact, I’m sure there will be. But, I promise you this: the spirit of the student body will not be one of them; the way that we treat one another will be nothing short of compassionate and respectful. I promise you this: smile at me, and I’ll smile back.
Your Student Government President,
Shira Barlas
