My path as a high school student here at MCHS was not the path I’d imagine I would go down. Going into my first day, I had an entire plan drawn out on how to get through high school correctly and successfully. Let me tell you now that absolutely nothing went the way I expected. It gave me new amazing friends, strong bonds with teachers, and a new perspective on life. It is more than safe to say that my life as a high school student at MCHS was nothing short of amazing.  

Going into day one I didn’t really have any friends. I wasn’t close with anyone I went to junior high with, and I‘ve also had a lot of trouble making/keeping friends. Over time I would end up making new friends but most of the time everyone would just come and go. It almost seemed like a pattern. Someone would come into my life, we’d get close, and then they’d leave. It was extremely tough, but I knew something had to change. I stepped outside my comfort zone, tried some new things, and talked to some new people who I normally wouldn’t talk to. Doing those things were some of the smartest choices I’ve ever made. 

MCHS has a history of a lot of different things, good and bad. Some things are more memorable than others. For me, the thing that’s made the most memories for me are the Friday night football games. Sophomore year was when I first started attending varsity football games. One game in particular that I will never forget about was in the Sweet Sixteen in the state playoffs. Minooka had an away game that week at Barrington. There were several fan buses packed from front to back. The amount of fans showing their support was amazing. 

The drive took about an hour and a half. When we first arrived there at Barrington, the weather was ice cold — this was the coldest game I’d ever been to. Everybody there was a hot cocoa fiend. After we all got our drinks, we filled up the stands and watched our Minooka Indians prepare to pull off the upset of a lifetime. Barrington was one of the best teams in the state, not losing a single game the entire year. Minooka however, went into Barrington with three losses. No one, and I mean absolutely no one, expected the outcome that we received. The Indians went into Barrington and took down one of the most feared teams in the state. There was something about our team that night that was astounding. They had a strong fighting spirit and I truly believe that there isn’t a high school team in the entire country that would’ve defeated those Indians that night. 

If there is one thing that Minooka is truly the best in the world at, it’s their amazing staff of teachers. The teachers here, mostly at Central Campus, have all been the most helpful and supportive people my life’s ever had. I used to hate going to school, but once I realized what an amazing staff of teachers there are here, it just made everything so much easier. The four teachers that have left the biggest impact on me and will ultimately help my viewpoints on life are Mr. Thomas, Mr. Brown, Ms. Bolek, and Mr. Tanaka. These four teachers mean so much to me and now I’m going to share why each of them are so amazing in their own way. 

Mr. Thomas: I’ve had Mr. Thomas for four straight years, as the years went on, I grew to like him even more. When I was picking classes freshman year, I wasn’t even considering journalism. My mother forced me to take it because she thought I would like it. Little did I know that I was going to fall in love with the class. Four straight years I would end up taking this class. When times were tough, Mr. Thomas was right there by my side. When I wasn’t working on my stories or when I didn’t do the best on them, Mr. Thomas was right there to push me to work harder and do better. He showed me that I have potential to do amazing things, not just in journalism, but in life itself. I couldn’t be more grateful for all he’s done for me these past four years and I will always remember all he’s done for me for the rest of my life. Mr. Thomas has made a very strong case as one my most favorite teachers ever. 

Mr. Brown: Every time I needed a good laugh or I needed someone to talk sports with, Mr. Brown was the first person I went to. The thing about Mr. Brown is that he’s funny when he doesn’t try. He’s just a natural funny and goofy person and I admire that. He’s also a very knowledgeable sports fan. He’s the biggest Cubs fan in the world and he also keeps up with other stuff like football for example. I could talk sports forever with Mr. Brown, his perspective not only on sports but life itself is something that I love about him. He’s shown me that there’s a time to be funny but also a time to be serious. You’ve just got to know when those times are.

Ms. Bolek: Sociology is a rather interesting class. For the three months I was actually in that class, I don’t think I’ve ever thought more than I did when I was in that class. Ms. Bolek also showed me a totally different perspective on things and on life itself. One thing for example is that different isn’t different, different is normal. That quote itself showed me that there’s nothing to fear in what I’m doing and it always gave me confidence in myself. Me. Bolek was also a very caring teacher. There were times where I was so far behind and just downright struggling for the short time of my second semester sophomore year. During those times, Ms. Bolek was right there by my side to help me get past the speed bump in the road. She pushed me to never give up and to keep working. She made me believe in myself.

Mr. Tanaka: I am a firm believer in the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” 100% applies to Mr. Tanaka. I had Mr. Tanaka as a teacher my junior year. He was this loud teacher who seemed like I was just working to leave at three o’clock. Little did I know that he was one of the most caring teachers in the world. When not just myself, but the class in general was struggling with what was being taught, he did every last thing it takes to make sure we all understand what is happening. We all worked our tail-ends off for one thing: candy.  He would give candy to each group that did the best at the end of the day. He made a class that’s supposed to be very unlikable into one of my favorite classes ever. Not only did Mr. Tanaka pushed me to do better than anyone, he was also one of the most caring and compassionate people I’ve ever met, and I didn’t realize it until TALK day. Me and him both talked about our experiences and he showed me that he really cares about not only just me but all his students as well. Mr. Tanaka has also made a strong case in my opinion as my most favorite teacher ever.

To all those teachers I just wrote about and to all my other teachers as well (especially Ms. Nemeth) I will miss all of you so much and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for all you’ve done for me. 

Although my time here at MCHS has come to an abrupt end. I will be forever grateful for all the friends and relationships I’ve made with so many of you. I’ve made some lifetime friends and have also met my amazing girlfriend all because of Minooka Community High School. I will miss everything about this school so much and I will never forget all the memories I’ve made here. I am forever an Indian.