It was...

It was not what I had expected. Going from a small charter school with only 15 students in my grade, to a school with not just hundreds, but thousands of students was a major change. Everything was new and interesting. Heck, I have never even been in a cafeteria before. New school, new friends, new opportunities. Millbrook has been a home away from home for the past 4 years and has taught me so much. Being involved in clubs and sports at Millbrook has truly made my high school experience memorable and worth while. Although, I can definitely say that I am ready to say goodbye. 

These four years have taught me so much, but I am ready for new endeavors. I was so nervous and excited for high school before, and now I get to feel this same anticipation as I head off to college. As I look back at my time at Millbrook, I can confidently say that I feel as though I have left my mark on the school, and it has definitely left it’s mark on me. As I say goodbye to the many that I have become so close to, I remember all that they have taught me. Such bittersweet moments occur every day, as I remember that each day is another last. My last high school football game. My last dance concert. My last tennis match. The last time I’ll drive off to lunch with my friends. It is hard to imagine not being able to drive to my friends’ houses with ease or saying I love you to my parents each night before bed. 

People tell you that high school is a time of change and growing up, but I didn’t expect it to impact me so much. The memories that I have made will stick with me for years to come. I knew it would be great, but it was not what I had expected.

Witty Whitman

The aspect of Walt Whitman’s notes that I found to be the most intriguing were the sketches that he drew, depicting his vision for the poetry that accompanies them. The evolution of the man seen in varying pages is very interesting, as you can see first hand the development of Whitman’s thinking, and how he contrasted each picture to match how he envisioned the character. Although the sketches are drawn in a lacsidasical fashion, it is obvious to the viewer what the intentions of the pictures are, and the character traits that the man may possess. The most prominent change that I noticed was the man’s eyes. His eyes are open in the first picture yet progress to being hidden. This may be because Whitman noticed that the portrayal of this specific character was important because of his closure or secretevity.

After getting a view into a further analyzed version of the text, it is noted that there is a slim possibility that the pictures were even drawn my Whitman himself. Rather, it is probably a sketch of Whitman himself. This piece of information is extremely interesting, as it infers how Whitman was perceived by others- as a jolly figure who may have had something to hide. This connection could be made through the large hat he is seen wearing, and the bashful mood he sets for the audience by the closed eyes.