Jasmine and me with our buddy, Nova. (Ashley .T)

On Wednesday, April 12, I chatted with my kindergarten buddy, Nova, for the last time. While the younger members of the upper school were taking the PSAT or SAT, we seniors ate breakfast with our buddies in the Dining Hall before playing on the lower school playground. 

When it was time to say goodbye after spinning on the tire swing and climbing ropes together, both of us didn’t want to leave. We stood there, hugging one another until her teacher said it was time to go.  

If you’re new to CA, our senior-kindergarten buddies is a beloved tradition with the youngest and oldest students are paired up at Convocation. The buddies symbolize the ongoing cycle of life at Academy as they learn, play, and grow together through programs and activities. 

Over the past year, I’ve attended football games, gone apple picking, and made Valentine cards with Nova. My relationship with Nova is one that I will cherish for years to come as I soon leave Academy and step into the next chapter of my life.