One of the benefits of attending an independent school with small class sizes is that it makes it easy for everyone to get to know each other. We take for granted that we can say hello to anybody in passing periods and expect a cheerful reply. Every Monday, our entire upper school gathers in Spaulding Theater, where we celebrate each other’s birthdays before receiving weekly announcements and updates on sport scores. It isn’t just Dorfman’s encouragement that brings us together. We aren’t forced to be this close with each other; we aren’t forced to show up to club events or chant during school pep rallies or highlight weekly acts of kindness, rather we choose this. We choose to be united. We are united by our academic focus: our shared hatred for the PSAT, preferences for AHFEC or EDBAG, and our admiration for our beloved teachers. The sports-team banners displayed alongside the tennis courts are a testament to our school’s spirited sportsmanship. Even though we might not have the biggest teams in the league, our bleachers are always full, and wins are always celebrated. We are united by changing technology—from TikTok to artificial intelligence. Social media interweaves our lives as we like and share each other’s snapshots. We can connect with people from around the world and listen to their stories and perspectives. Together, we face the frustrations and fears, and the astonishment and accessibility that comes from the evolution of AI. Over the archways, and imprinted on our planners are constant reminders of our school values: scholarship, character, balance, and community. We seek these values throughout our academic and personal journeys in our own ways, and we will continue to even after our time at Laguna. Although we approach the world from different backgrounds and with different goals, we all share the same values: peace, safety, stability, and belonging. No matter your identity—gender, orientation, race, religion, upbringing, or party preference—we are united by the pursuit of happiness, whatever that looks like to you.