A Poem for the Marvelous Class of 2026

Spring 2026

You Got This, 26! 
Sophia Hu, UC Berkeley-bound freshman 

On the first day of 6th grade,
college seemed so far away:
new school, new classes, and new friends,
times we thought would never end.

9th grade came with harder class,
we for the first time fought to pass,
sophomore slump, SAT prep,
the hated universal steps-
that all students learn to take
if shiny futures they want make.
Junior year’s a blur of tests
and senior year brings college stress.

“I can’t take this anymore!!!”
a student’s mantra, to be sure.
But although high school had us beat
the ending’s sort of bittersweet!
Hard times that we’ve suffered through
are, in the end, what make you you.

So thank your friends for the good times.
Hug them lots, or even cry!
But dry your tears, you need not mope,
‘cause change is just a sign of hope.

Your work and drive have not diminished
even though this chapter’s finished,
because your future’s still unpenned 
this story’s so far from its end.
Still, it’s the time to celebrate
all the progress that you’ve made.
Across the grad stage you will walk
towards the future you’ve unlocked.

Class of 2026, 
before you go, remember this:
no matter what you choose to do,
these next years are an ode to you.
Though from a place you may depart
in you that time does leave its mark,
so in all you do, do it with faith
in what you’ve done up ‘till today.

so go! explore! face mysteries!
reach for more than you can dream-
and through you the world will see
how awesome 26 can be!