Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/96437
Latin is confusing. Students, parents, teachers, staff, administration, more organizations and groups than you could count on two hands – all are part of this convoluted educational machine. In my 14 years here, I have just begun to wrap my head around how Latin gives great educations to hundreds of students each and every year. As you might imagine, my foray into student government and student advocacy my sophomore year wasn't the easiest move. I came in with a vision – driving ideas I wanted to complete as fast as possible – but I soon learned these goals were easier said than done. Through my sophomore and junior years, I tirelessly moved from one thing to the next. I stopped by our new principal's office so much that I could imagine him cringing at the sound of my knock on his doorframe. Whether the topic of discussion was iPods, P-week, prom or the new schedule, I always felt good after putting the time and effort into representing the student body. It was a special feeling – working to improve my own quality of life at Latin, and working to better the community. This year I received the ultimate honor when I was chosen to serve as the senior prefect. As the official representative for the entire student body, I felt the weight of the responsibility of being a voice for all of my peers. My duties, knowing that I stood for hundreds of students, were exhilarating, and though at times they were stressful, I would have never traded the opportunity for anything. Being able to see positive changes – changes that I worked for – is the greatest reward, and knowing that I have done something that has had a positive impact on Latin is something I am thankful for every day. Ultimately, as my final year comes to a close, I find myself thinking about the community I have become a part of. Latin is a community where a student can walk into the principal's office – often unscheduled – and discuss an undesirable policy decision he has made. Latin is a community where a student can write a three-page letter to the head of school advocating against curriculum changes – and the head of school will actually read the whole thing. Latin is a community where parents, students, teachers and the administration don't always agree, but all end up cheering "GO ROMANS" at the end of the night. Latin is a community I doubt could be replicated anywhere else, and a community I am proud to be a part of. "Being able to see positive changes – changes that I have worked for – is the greatest reward." Dillon doing his part for school spirit at the Homecoming Pep Rally. Latin School of Chicago 31