This week, many of our seniors received decisions on college applications for EA/ED or REA (early action/early decision or restricted early action). Whether there were tears of joy, relief or disappointment combined with happiness for themselves or friends, this can be a stressful time for our seniors. Principal Yu sent this encouraging letter to our them on Friday:
“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” – Robert Frost
Dear Class of 2022,
I know many of you have received or will soon receive your college decisions. I know how hard you have worked throughout your four years and in particular during these past few months managing school while applying to colleges. I want to tell you how proud we all are of you of what you have accomplished thus far in your very early years of adulthood. You have positioned yourself to take the next steps after high school where I have no doubt you will continue to achieve.
I know you will feel all range of emotions from exhilaration to possible disappointment when you receive your college decisions. I know I did when I received acceptance to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergrad as well as when I was NOT accepted to Columbia for grad school. I have and continue to feel the spectrum of emotions when accepted and declined for opportunities I hoped for. The emotions I felt and the emotions you feel or will feel are real, and it is okay to feel them. Just know that these college decisions (and other future decisions) do not and will not define you--they are a part of the cumulative experiences that help us to learn more about ourselves. You have accomplished so much in your time at Stuyvesant and you will continue to accomplish much more wherever you take your next steps. You should be proud of wherever you DECIDE to matriculate.
We are so proud of all of you for taking a risk to even position yourself so that colleges have to make decision on your application. It takes courage and effort to apply -- you gave yourself a chance. You are all amazing candidates and will contribute immensely to the institution that will be lucky to have you when you decide the right place for you.
Regardless of the decisions you receive, please continue to walk tall, be proud, and remain humble. We are so proud of you!
Principal Yu
