________________________________________________________________________________________

During the five years that I have been at Villa, I learned more than I thought was possible. From fourth to sixth grade, I learned empathy, patience, flexibility, and people skills. I learned so much. Walking into seventh and eighth grade was a completely new experience. From the incredible history and science classes, and how to write well, which made this paper possible. During Model United Nations, last year I discovered how different cultures really are, how peace takes so much time to build but can break in a second, and how communities work together in harmony. When reflecting on how that year went, I recognized it was rocky at some points, and there was definitely room for improvement, but the experience did show me that hard work leads to an incredible outcome.

I would like to thank my teachers, too, for providing me with much more knowledge than I ever expected. They did it in such a unique and interactive way. My advice for anyone that needs to hear it is never quit and always have hope.

I'll never forget the first time I read Shel Silverstein; his poetry kept me on my toes and is inspiring to hear. Another line he wrote that will always connect with me and my journey is... "There's a face that none can see, a little less smiley, a little sure, but a whole lot more like me". I think this is true for everyone. That is what makes us all human. Thank you to the people who brought me here, and now we can close this chapter and look towards the future.

                                                                                                                 Makena,5/26  

                                                                                                                 Excerpts from her promotion speech

________________________________________________________________________________________

Throughout my time here, I learned many things, not just how to find the volume of a sphere, but more importantly, I have learned significant things about myself, like how I thrive in social environments, and that my friends and family mean everything to me. I don't know where I would be without my friends. They helped me overcome obstacles I would never be able to overcome on my own. I learned that my friends and family will always be there for me.

Next year, I will be entering a completely different environment at Arcadia High School. Although it will be an entirely different experience, I believe Villa has prepared me for it. In the future, I want to give back to the Earth by making it a better home for animals. I will try my hardest to complete all my goals because during the Heroic Journey, I learned that no dream is too big. As my life goes on, I will try to accomplish every goal I make, and will not be afraid to fail, because I know that while failure is scary, regret is worse.

I used to think I was only in school to learn about math, history, English, and science. I know now that school isn't just about that. At Villa, I learned how to make friends and keep them. I learned how much they mean to me and how important they really are. I learned life lessons I don't think I would've learned in any other school. What other school has a program like the Heroic Journey? 

As I move on from Villa, I will take all the moments I have spent with my friends and teachers. I will take all the lessons I have learned. Lastly, I will remember that no dream or goal is too big, because regret is a thousand times worse than failure. Saito from Inception said it best, "Take a leap of faith or become an old man filled with regret waiting to die alone. It's a choice you get to make.

                                                                                                                 Bradley, 5/26

                                                                                                                 Excerpts from his promotion Speech

________________________________________________________________________________________

Over the last 11 years, I have spent my life at Villa and I learned many, many things at this exceptional school. I have accumulated a treasure chest of memories, some of which I may cherish till the end of time, others I will never forget. The people in my life who helped to shape me to be the young man I am today, are my teachers, coaches, teammates, and family. They have all shown me the way to a great and successful life. With all my knowledge, achievements, and friends, it's hard to believe I will be leaving the school that I have invested so much time and effort into. It represents my childhood, that's slowly dying off aka maturing, and I am eager for the bright future ahead of me at the Brophy.

Over the years at Villa, I learned to take my time and fix the mistakes I made. My learning experience has been interesting, from my love for maps in 3rd grade, to the fun science, great lives and art fairs in 4th-6th grade, to all the fun we had at the markets where we got to eat food we made from custom recipes. Middle school was the hardest and most stressful time with all the new tests and large amounts of homework and responsibility, yet it helped me gain discipline and knowledge to help me in my journey. These memories remind me that life is not always easy and there will be big jumps after the little ones, so it's best to always be prepared. 

My friends inspired me to look out for the little guy, and that I should spend as much time with them as possible because there's a chance that I won't see them after middle school, although I hope we find a way to stay in touch. We should always be thankful for all the privileges we get in life. This is the mindset I'm going to use in high school, along with my perseverance, hard work, and discipline.

                                                                                                                Tyler, 5/26

                                                                                                                 Excerpts from his promotion speech

________________________________________________________________________________________

If you had told my little fourth-grade self that in four years’ time, I would have completed a triathlon, paddled down the Colorado River twice, and made multiple businesses for the villa markets, I would have said you're dreaming. But it's true: in the short span of three years I have been at Villa, I have done all this and so much more. I can't help but smile at all the memories I've made.

Villa has always pushed me to grow. One example of that is my Heroic Journey. I had to train in multiple sports for many months leading up to my triathlon. This race totally pushed my endurance and determination to the absolute limit.

As this year comes to a close, I would like to pass on my wisdom to the generations to come. My advice is this: Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. You must have discipline if you want to achieve anything in life.

                                                                                                                 Brian, 5/26

                                                                                                                 Excerpts from his promotion speech

________________________________________________________________________________________

I gained the closest friends I've ever had in my lifetime here at Villa, and I completely anticipate keeping those friends close throughout my whole life. My friends have shaped who I am as a person, and I truly believe I wouldn't be who I am today without the support of my friends. They have shown me patience, kindness, and consideration.

I do think the transitions going so well were due in part to the amazing teachers here in the Villa community. Ms. Jannett has been a person all the girls can confide in, no matter the topic, and simply a person I can trust. Hearing Stephan’s stories helped create a sense of calm and belonging throughout the years. Beto made me realize my love for writing over the past two years. Literature has been a great part of my life fairly recently, which is crazy because before 7th grade, I never read. He also helped me develop the skill of thinking before I speak, which is something I've struggled with my whole life. The coaches taught me lessons both on and off the field.

I'll leave the future 8th graders with one piece of advice: never take anything too seriously. Talk to the new kid, try new things, attend the sport, and meet new people. Just don't make any obviously bad decisions, and everything will work out.

                                                                                                                 Kylie, 5/26

                                                                                                                 Excerpts from her promotion speech

________________________________________________________________________________________

Villa has to be one of the greatest schools academically and socially. It encourages students to do things their own way, not care about what people think, and be themselves. Villa is truly a place full of happiness and peace, one that raises young adolescents to be people who can achieve big things.

The experiences that I think were crucial to my learning were the yearly programs, like Model United Nations, Heroic Journey, and Job Shadow, which all demonstrated how to be proactive, manage my time, and self-confidence. These are skills that will benefit me throughout my whole life, no matter what I decide to do. I think the most important project is the Heroic Journey. I believe this because some of the requirements for the program are a personal challenge, community service, and building a relationship with a new adult Ally. My goal was to learn how to play the electric guitar. I chose this because it encouraged me to learn new skills that can help me in the future. My community service was most memorable to me because it taught me how good it feels to give back to people. It encouraged me to help out more people. Finally gaining an adult ally. It was good for me and my peers because we would gain another trusted adult into our lives that is good for our emotional support.

There are a lot of things I would take away but I think the one most important thing I'll take away is my unique personality. Villa has influenced me so much that without it I would be a completely different person. Now, some words of wisdom to finish off. Total freedom is terrifying but is entirely yours. You aren't confined by your past or the expectations of others. The bridge between the life you dream of and the life you live is called execution. It takes discipline, focus, and audacity to bet on yourself.

                                                                                                                  Markus, 5/26

                                                                                                                  Excerpts from his promotion speech