There is a legend, as old as time itself perhaps, and I am constantly reminded of it since being told as a wee lad. This legend inspires those around them, it is the reason why so many of us wake up in the morning ready to face the world, and it is the reason why my Saturday nights are always booked up. Of course, I am talking about the legend of the boys.
The term “boy” derives from Old English, which means “a male child or young man.”. Given the pronoun “the”, the simple definition of boys becomes “THE male children or THE young men.” In conclusion, by adding the simple pronoun to the general noun, it implies that there is only one of these groups of people, and therefore irreplaceable in one’s life.
On a more realistic note, I have people who have walked in and out of my life, but the ones who stick around hold a special place in my heart. From hearing me rant about my girl problems at the Starbucks up road, to late night video game sessions until two o’clock in the morning. These are some of the memories I remember and reminisce about as I am sitting through my math class.
From rocking the boat on the beach singing sea shanties for a straight hour, to just sitting in the car after a massive dinner talking about the purpose of life and pursuit of happiness, there have been a countless number of conversations and activities that you all have forgotten about, yet I hold onto.
Not all the boys are particularly boys though. As the 2020 political climate continues to renovate the old ideas of the previous generation, the term “the boys” has expanded onto new fronts when it comes to gender. Most of the women in my life who are “the boys” tend to catch most of the rants about my girl problems and my unavoidable charm which has developed into a curse.
There are even some respectable adults in this room who I would consider for this title, regardless if you want it or not. I have so much fun in your classes and I can feel the passion in your teaching and have to raise my cup to that, regardless of if I like the material or not.
Ever since coming to RHP, I have been surrounded by some of the most interesting and inspiring individuals who have not only pushed me to do more academically, but also morally. High school can be a pretty rough ride and I’m very glad that I had you beautiful people around me to bring out the best in me regardless of my reckless decisions.
As we get closer and closer to graduation, I can’t imagine a life without you in it. I have had so many memories with all of you that I can’t even begin to describe, and for so many different reasons. But, all of you have made a massive impact on my life. You all have brought so much meaning to my world, and embrace me for the giant dumpster fire that is “Jacob Allen Smith.”
Before I go, I would like to leave you all with one of my favorite quotes, “If the world was ending, I think I would grab some Cinnamon Toast Crunch, a bunch of water, and I'd probably just... I'd probably go crazy.” - Tyler, The Creator