Dear Ruby, 

Can you believe we’ve been together for three years?  Crazy, huh? It feels like just yesterday I was a shy freshman meeting you for the first time.

Our years together have been nothing short of amazing. There are so many memories – hanging out with my friends on the patio outside the art classrooms … making fun of the 9th graders in the jungle gym … riding up and down in the elevators (even though you told me it was a safety hazard) … I could go on for hours. 

But let me get to the point. I think it’s time for us to go our separate ways. No, don’t take this personally! It’s not you –  It’s me. See, I’ve decided to move onto a new campus, one that provides what I need to grow and become the best version of myself. And you want me to grow, don’t you? 

My new campus has a sculpture garden … and even a golf simulator. Sure, your mart had snacks, drinks, and unlimited food, and you cooked a killer orange chicken, and your vending machines came in handy every once in a while, I suppose, but my new campus offers two fast food eateries, three food carts, batting cages, and 1200 feet of lounge space.

Sure, you’ve got  a library, and my new campus doesn’t. I know you may be confused by that; believe me, I am too. But I do believe that it’s time for us both to move on for something greater. 

But do not worry Ruby, I did not leave you alone. Taking my place on your campus next year will be 600 middle schoolers. Sure, they’re a little loud and rough, and they spill their food a lot, but they can be charming in their own, unique ways. You won’t be lonely, that’s for sure!

Please understand that this was a very difficult decision for me. I had a lot of sleepless nights, tossing and turning, debating with myself and … who am I kidding? It wasn’t a difficult decision at all. A golf simulator? A sculpture garden? A smoothie bar? Ice baths in the weight rooms? The new campus is going to be awesome!

But my time with you is sadly coming to an end, and we must face the truth that was long since coming for a couple months. We knew that we wouldn’t stay together forever, and that I eventually would have to leave you for a campus that meets my needs better. 

Although I do hope that in the future, we can be good friends. I understand that you might need time to move on from this, and I respect that deeply. But for future reference, I really do hope that we can get on better terms and see each other for who we really are. 

XOXO, 

Oshrat Nazarian