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Julia shares her 8th grade graduation speech, given on June 10, 2023.

Oneness has been a dream come true; a school environment where I have been supported, respected, and loved.  I have been prepared with academic skills, but also taught important lessons that I will carry with me through the rest of my life. During my time at Oneness, I have learned how to be a successful student, the importance of connection, and to be willing to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have also learned that I am brave enough to speak up when needed. 

In the Arbor, my teachers Shawn, Samantha, Madhavi, Robin, and Shelby prepared me for the academic journey ahead, teaching me about new kinds of work such as working with grammar boxes, using math materials like the checkerboard, and reading books during SSR, which became one of my favorite times during the day.

In the Academy, I built deeper connections with my friends and my teachers, Josh and Malkia. I have made incredible friendships during my time at Oneness, and my time in the Academy has helped me grow more confident in approaching new people.

In fifth grade, during our time online, when I wasn’t able to see my teachers and friends in-person anymore, I realized how important the connections I had to them were. Even in this strange time, everyone at Oneness tried to make things seem as connected and normal as possible, especially Josh, who made quarantine more bearable by having Zoom calls with me during the summer of 2020.

In the Ambassadors, I have learned to push myself outside of my comfort zone and that I can do things that I might have thought impossible. 

I have gone on many trips in the Ambassador classroom, which have helped me to learn to stretch beyond my comfort zone. When we went to West Virginia in seventh grade, I learned how brave I really am, especially when I walked 876 feet above the ground across the New River Gorge. 

In eighth grade, we went to the Montessori Model United Nations meeting in New York, which was a transformative experience. I had been worried about going on the subway, which I hadn’t done since the start of COVID, but I managed to overcome that fear with the help of my teachers and friends. I even learned I can survive repeated trips on a high-speed glass elevator despite my fear of heights. 

I have also learned to speak up even when I’ve found it difficult. There were times when I worried that something someone was doing would hurt someone else. When I have spoken up, the teachers and staff that I have talked to have always been encouraging, supportive, and caring. This support has made it easier each time that I have spoken up.

Before I close, I would like to offer some acknowledgments. Andrew, your vision for a school has shaped so many people’s lives and created an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. Karen, you are a beacon of support and are always ready to answer any questions.

Shawn, Madhavi, Samantha, Shelby, and Robin, you created a space of joy in the Arbor classroom and instilled that love of learning in me from the very beginning. 

Josh and Malkia, you are amazing teachers and funny, encouraging, patient, and great listeners. 

Hannah, you have always been willing to listen and support me. You are always there to steady me, soothe my fears, and help me cut down the lengthy writing assignments. You are always willing to assist with any technical issues that I have run into – you are a genius! 

Pearl, you are truly one of those teachers who knows how to balance learning and fun. You have always made me laugh, even on the days I was sure were the worst, and you have always been there to nudge me on track while still being funny at the same time. 
To the fifth graders heading into sixth grade, I would like to tell you that your new teachers are some of the most wonderful teachers in the world. 

Hans, you have always been there for me whenever I needed you, and you can always make me laugh or smile.

Irene, I appreciate your kindness and cheerful nature. 

Fiorenza, sei l’insegnante di italiano più meravigliosa, ovviamente, non c’è neanche bisogno di dirlo. Continuerò a praticare il mio italiano e ti sono molto grata per avermi aiutato così tanto!

To Luis, Matlyn, Guido, Mike, Brian, Bodil, Ariel, and all of the other people who make Oneness a better place, thank you. 

Finally, I would like to thank my family; Mother, Daddy, Alexandra, and our cat Trixie. You have always been there to help me and to listen to anything I wanted to talk about. There really can’t be a more supportive family than all of you.

As I conclude, I would like to say that while I cannot see what lies before me, I can look back at the journey I’ve had and truly appreciate what a big part Oneness has played in crafting the person I am today.  Oneness-Family School may be an unusual name, but a better one couldn’t have been chosen – we are truly one family. 

Thank you.

Julia Tchikine ’23