The Many Gifts of Pres
By Fatimah Alawami ‘23
As I walked up the front steps into the doors of Presentation Academy on my first day of freshman year, I knew this school would become my second home for the next four years. I came to Pres as one of two people from my middle school, unfamiliar with the rich traditions that have been passed down for generations. I essentially had the opportunity to become the person I’ve always wanted to be, and this made me look forward to coming to school every day. Throughout my time at Pres, I’ve been surrounded by a strong community of sisters from all different backgrounds, zip codes, and stories that have been immensely touching. During my time as an underclassman, the upperclassmen represented values and characteristics I admired. Their confidence, leadership, kindness, and proactivity that filled the hallways held a powerful symbol of their growth as a Pres Girl. I knew I wanted to be that inspiration for others, and so I began to involve myself in all my interests: student Y-Club, Dance Team, WE Day club, and volunteering outside of school. I also helped prepare the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration to showcase to the school. Pres has given me opportunities to educate my fellow classmates about my culture, which is very important and special to me.
Coming out of my shell has been one of the many gifts Pres has given me the space to do. This environment pushes us to leave our comfort zone, to ask ourselves those uncomfortable questions, and to truly learn from our mistakes. That is one of the amazing things about being a Pres girl as it has transformed me into an aware, intuitive, and assertive woman and leader. Having supportive teachers that I look forward to talking to everyday is another key component to my experience at Pres. Being able to trust my teachers with my personal struggles, to hug and receive reassurance and advice, or simply stopping by their classroom for a laugh have been connections I am beyond grateful to have made.
As I'm getting ready to walk down the front steps of Presentation Academy on my last day of senior year, I will be taking all my memories, lessons, and skills I've been taught during my time in the building. Presentation is bigger than the physical building itself, but the many strong, independent, and amazing graduates who have come before me. I will be carrying the Pres legacy, and with extreme pride. Presentation has touched thousands of young women, like me, to grow into their most authentic selves. I cannot thank Presentation Academy enough for the past 4 years full of tradition, fun, sisterhood, and growth. Once a Pres girl, always a Pres Girl.