As I walked the six blocks from my house to CMR on the first day of school freshman year, I remember staring at my purple Vans and being apprehensive of what to expect. I’d always pictured high school like a hospital: systematic, sterile, with the “Grey’s Anatomy” type of dramatic flare. It was when I realized I’d never opened a locker with a combination and had to turn to a stranger in what seemed to be a massive school that I knew I was wrong.

It wasn’t long before I realized high school here wouldn’t be a monotonous black and white movie with subpar actors; rather, CMR’s a sponge, and it wasn’t long before I was absorbed into what was less of a culture and more of a true, intrapersonal community. This realization hit about three weeks into my freshman year.

If you’ve never experienced a homecoming at CMR, you’ve been solely deprived. My freshman year was CMR’s golden anniversary. Themed by decades since the 60’s (CMR’s decade of genesis), I remember the awe I felt looking at the decorated hallways, participating in the parade, and, most memorably, my first Coronation assembly. CMR is truly unique in that you don’t have to be King or Queen to fall in love with the celebrations here, because everyone really does have a niche. I fell in love with the drama department’s glittery set and funny Homecoming skit, and with the involvement of every group in the celebration. And then there’s the football game on Friday. Baby powder blowing in the wind, the seniors’ camo pants, and chanting CMR’s notorious chants. Nothing beats Rustler pride. Learning the ins and outs of our community was the best part of freshman year.

These traditions were continued as I progressed through sophomore and junior year, until I was leading in these them as a senior. Now that I’m leaving CMR to pursue my own passions and academic goals, I have faith that CMR has provided me with the background I’ll need for success. More than that, I know I’ve forged relationships with teachers and friends that will continue to affect me as I move forward, and that will remain as timeless as the traditions of the school that fostered them.