Words to Live By After Graduation
By Mary, a senior at MHS
The thought of graduation is mind-boggling to me because I’ve been at Milton Hershey School for six years. I came to MHS as a sixth-grader from the suburbs of Reading, Pennsylvania, and I didn’t know what to expect other than the fact that I was now living in a house with eleven other girls and I had to wear a uniform to school.
Now, the six years have passed and I can honestly say MHS has far exceeded my small expectations when I first arrived.
I’ve been able to discover who I am and what I want to do with my life. I’ve been guided by houseparents, teachers, and staff to become the young woman I am today.
Mary’s senior night for marching band.
It’s important that every student at MHS finds someone they can look to as a mentor, because having someone to guide you along the way truly helps. One of my mentors has helped me in more ways than I can count. He has helped me grow and has given me words of wisdom for the past four years. He always told me, “you’re better than that.” It took some time for me to believe what he said, but now his words help me through many situations. His advice applies to every student at MHS—whenever life gets tough, if you remember that you’re better than that, you’ll get through your challenges.
As a student at MHS, I have discovered my passion for writing and my passion for helping those less fortunate than myself. As I think about graduation, I’m fearful of the unknown but also excited to begin college and eventually my career. I want to show everyone that I made it and that I am successful. In the fall, I’ll be attending Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia to study English and Political Science in the hopes of one day being part of the White House Press Corps.
MHS has given me more opportunities than I have ever deserved, and without MHS, I don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing. Milton Hershey School saved my life and I will be forever grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Hershey.
