By Suhaas Godavarthy
Grade 11A

“Today, I walked through those gates the last time as a student” said Valli, a student who was graduating from 12th grade in Manthan. Those words were true for many Manthanites sitting there at the convocation ceremony from Valli’s classmates to many 10th graders who were deciding to move on from Manthan.

The school stood majestically against the evening sky and next to it, the beautifully transformed Tamarind Point. Tables and chairs were arranged in front of the brightly lit stage and colorful lights shone on the barks of the surrounding Tamarind trees. Pictures, holding cherished memories, were strung between tree trunks- each a journey down the memory lane. Slowly, the guests started filling in all sodden with mixed feelings.

By Marcus Fernandez

Before our 12th grade journey had even begun we had been sufficiently warned of the magnitude of this year. In many ways 12th grade is the epic finale, it’s the conclusion of more than a decade at school and needless to expectations are high.

In fact 12th grade is often two journeys. One, get cracking with the syllabus and two, figure out your college. Was it hectic? Sure, but not as insane as many describe. There are horror stories associated with 12th grade life, stories of the immense grind and effort required to merely stay afloat in an incredibly competitive environment. I was afraid school would take a turn and I would be forced into this rigorous, stressful, merciless marathon where I would suffer. Fortunately for me this was not the case.