As this year comes to a close, so does the wonderful, mystical, amusing, charming and oh-so-lovely Caroline Cannon’s Column series. Though life as a Gryphon is ending for me far too soon, this life continues on for many others. I am here speaking to you, yes, you, to help guide you onwards through your remaining years as a Gryphon. This time is well-worth the long, long hours that you most definitely will feel while sitting in pre-calculus banging your head against the desk wondering if there really is a world outside of verifying trigonometric identities, or in Mr. Adcock’s class as you count how many times he drops his pen, or trying to explain our schedule to someone who does not go to St. George’s. But, now, I must leave all of these glorious memories behind, and at that, I offer a simple “how-to” guide for the commonly-uncommon Gryphon.

1. Bring food- I know it is troublesome when a thousand, trillion people all run up to you asking for snacks, but you end up with time to catch up with friends, make friends, talk to someone you typically do not talk to, get showered with complements and have less food. If you are really looking to make forever friends at St. George’s, bring Chick-Fil-A to share. Disclaimer: this is a very risky move and could cause injury.

2. Get injured- Everyone hates going to the doctor, but it must be done so you might as well do it at a school with one hallway. A few examples from the seniors on how to get injured are as follows: step on a large nail while doing service work (Julia Spinolo), get a significant number of concussions so that taking an elbow to the head causes you to have concussion symptoms for a month (Caroline Cannon), be really bad at walking and tear your ACL (Olivia Roberts), get attacked by an eagle (Murry Goldberg) and do not actually get injured but pretend you are sore from getting out of bed too quickly (Derek Dixon and Chazz Simmons).

3. Participate in spirit week- Do not say it is stupid or silly or dumb, but instead take on the responsibility of dressing all-out for anything. Yes, we all know pajamas are comfortable, but wearing them during spirit week only contributes to the shameful school spirit that the Gryphons are sadly known for.

4. Push your limits- At least once in high school, you must, absolutely must, do something you never thought you would do. This could be running for student senate, doing a sport you have not tried or taking a few difficult classes (Pre-Calculus does not count. That is required for graduation).

5. Overcome obstacles- As cliché as it sounds, it is what will make or break being a functioning human being. From the latter half of freshman year to the end of the first trimester of junior year, I struggled with depression. I consciously made a decision to not let my problems affect me anymore. I chose to be happy and looked at life as a zoo. I can walk around and view the penguins and otters and monkeys, but nothing they do will affect me. No matter what your obstacles may be, you can get through it. I know you can. Also, Ms. Brooks is everyone’s life coach so you can always hit her up.

6. Love your grade- If you hate being at school, it is probably because you are not close or well-connected with your classmates. Yes, you have your friends, but to truly be happy you must learn that everyone is different and they act the way they do because that is who they are. Everyone is perfect through a certain lens. You just have to find the right prescription.

7. Embrace the Gryphon- St. George’s is actually the best school ever. Thankfully this is in the Opinion section. We have the coolest mascot, the best teachers and we go to school in a ski lodge. Like, what?! Everything we do is quirky and nerdy and super hilarious and funny. We have the best students, and there is something for everyone. Never forget how amazing this school is and cherish every breath you take, even if there is some pepper spray in it. Also, GO GRYPHONS!