Senior Reflections

Your name: Olivia Varghese

How many years have you attended Cannon? What is your favorite Cannon memory? 8 years My favorite memory is from the Disney trip, when a huge group of us were standing in line together for the Slinky Dog and Avatar rides. The waits were 3+ hours, but we had a great time standing in line, talking, playing games, and hanging out. What is the most valuable lesson you learned during your time at Cannon? The importance of relationships. Whether it's a good relationship with a teacher so I can turn to them for help, or a peer, it makes all the difference in a school day. What is your favorite Cannon School tradition? House Games! Go Big Blue!

What challenges did you face while you were at Cannon? How did you overcome them? I am a very social person who really struggled during quarantine. But between advisory Zoom calls, StuCo, and other organizations, I felt like I was back at school with my friends. Who would you thank at Cannon and why? What surprised you about the Cannon experience? Mrs. Reulbach! She was the best advisor EVER and without her, I wouldn 't have worked up the courage to run for student council freshman year. I looked forward to advisory dance parties or rants with her. Everyone here is willing to help.

I was so lost on my first day of 5th grade, but every teacher and student was willing to help. Even today, I know that everyone has my back and is there for me.

What is your advice to underclassmen? If you think you want to do something, just do it. Don 't overthink it or talk yourself out of it. You 'll be happy you took the risk. I'm going to miss this place.

Is there anything additional you would like to share about your time here?

Olivia, circa 2014, when she started at Cannon as a fifth grader.

Your name: Rebecca Hurtado

How many years have you attended Cannon? What is your favorite Cannon memory?

14 years (lifer alert!) each morning. Driving to school with my siblings

What is the most valuable lesson you learned during your time at Cannon?When something is missing from our community, whether that is a student-run newspaper or a senior magazine, I've learned to be confident enough in my abilities and passion to make it happen.

What is your favorite Cannon School tradition? What challenges did you face while you were at Cannon? How did you overcomethem?

Watching CTC productions!

The signature learning projects at the end of junior year were I raised 6 chicks for a (completely ethical) experiment! the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my time at Cannon.. For BioREX, Both Dean Booker and Mrs. Otey are close family friends, and they made growing up at Cannon feel safe and supportive.I am grateful for their kindness and subtle but ceaseless mentorship along this 14 year journey.

Who would you thank at Cannon and why? What surprised you about the Cannon experience? What is your advice to underclassmen?

Rebecca, back in 2008 as a Junior Kindergartner.

As a lifer, it is hard for anything to really surprise me. Over 14 years, I have fallen into a comfortable routine surrounded by familiar faces. It wasn't until now, as a senior, that Cannon has given me a bittersweet surprise. I am surprised at how hard it has been to say goodbye.

You are responsible for the education and experience you have here. Develop the self-respect to trust yourself with the challenges and celebrate your accomplishments.

Is there anything additional you would like to share about your time here?Taylor Swift has dropped 10 albums since I've been at Cannon. All of which are the soundtrack of my childhood. That's all, just a shameless TS plug.