If anyone in the future were to write a biography about my life, there would without doubt, be an entire chapter about Midland. This is because it is safe to say that Midland has changed my life almost as much as my family has. Midland, for me, has been my home, my passion and my absolute obsession for the past 4 years solid. It has changed me in some obvious ways and some not so obvious ways. For example, I obviously learned a lot about community, doing ones own laundry and dishes, some american history, something about algebra (though I don’t really remember what it was) and how to write an essay.
But my Midland experience goes deeper than just a normal high school education. And judging from all the alums that are still involved with Midland and write to us, it is fair to say that Midland has this effect on a lot of people. But when I said Midland has been my obsession, I wasn’t kidding. Today I’m going to confess to you the extent of my obsession over Midland. Do not think Midland has brainwashed me; I still think critically and objectively, but out of all the things I could be obsessed about I feel like Midland is a worthy and healthy cause.
I confess that I purposefully wear Midland sweatshirts or t-shirts whenever I travel in hopes of either finding a fellow Midlander or having someone ask me about Midland. Seriously, I don’t just wear them because they are comfortable (which they are too) but I really do stand in airports and such and look around for anyone who looks like they might want to know about Midland and then something that I could say that could segway into a conversation about Midland. I have even written Midland’s website address on random strangers napkins to further the possibility that they might look it up. I brag about how Midlanders suffer in cold winter showers, climb grass mountain, the job system and work load. When I am faced with a problem I always ask myself “in what ways and to what extent is this a problem?” When I enter rooms full of lots of people I think to myself, “sleifflen plan” and remember Mr. Lourie's cocktail party advice. I have dreams about stealing kindling and firewood from places, loading it up into a big truck, driving it to Midland and giving it to shivering Midland students. This is usually followed by a big party in which everyone dances around the pile of wood that I have brought them. I compare water, either bottled or tap, to the taste of Midland water. I assume that everyone knows what a shush down is and I call those guys in orange vests that pick up trash a long a highway, 'Squibbers.' I adore rumors about Midland students being barbarians and studying by candle light and I swear I hear the bell even when I am on breaks.
But today I’m leaving. And though Midland emphasizes simplicity, it is anything but simple or easy. After confessing to you all those things about how much I love Midland, you might think leaving will be a tragedy for me. And in a way it is. It is tragic that it took until my senior year to start reflecting on how much I love Midland. I have cried and sobbed, felt depressed and gloomy about this fact for the past few months. It is tragic that it took the hug line yesterday to say things to faculty and friends that I should have said long ago. But I figure, that since Midland has effected me so deeply, I am not really leaving it. Its always with me in so many ways, and I have the option of visiting or working here some day; I just don’t have the possibility of getting laps anymore, I will have weekends, and I will never get grave yard. In this way, it is a mixed blessing.
So, thank you faculty and the class of 2008, my step in family and heroes, for everything you all have done for me. I will miss you terribly. Remember to say hi to anyone wearing a Midland sweatshirt in airports--it might just be me.