Dear Friends,

Now that the school year is almost over, I must bid you farewell. You cannot imagine how hard it is for me to say goodbye knowing that I might not see you again.

After spending a wonderful year with you, you and Maine have become a part of me. Now the only thing I can hope is that I have become a part of you, ‑ "one of you," too.

Seeing many smiling faces around, I did not have any trouble adjusting to the atmosphere at Maine. (I learned that I should not walk over the seal the first day.)

Even though I could not learn all of your names, I know you all; and I will remember you all. Maine West is one of the greatest schools I have seen with an understanding, helpful administration and faculty. One thing that I will always remember about Maine is the unity and enthusiasm that has been created.

I tried to be a part of this unity, as much as I could by working with some student body organizations. Student Council will always have a unique place in my memories.

Also I am more than thankful to the Brotherhood Society and the Ski Club for accepting me as one of them. I enjoyed campaigning during the election week, even though I had to be a cheerleader.

If you ever find a good bargain in a travel agency tour or anything similar, I should be more than glad to see you at my home. But please try not to come in groups of more than three or four.

I accept Des Plaines to be my second home town, so beware: I might come back sometime.

I will not say goodbye to you now, hoping that we will say "hi" to each other sometime later. So, I will instead say "Take it easy," the first slang expression I learned here.

Sukru Gurel