Dear Saint Patrick
As I walked through the doors to the Belmont Lot after taking my last final of my high school career, I can only feel a wave of emotion and gratitude overcome me. When I think back to four years ago on the 18th of August, 2014, I realize that my experience at Saint Patrick High School is far greater than I have ever fathomed. As I took my first steps on campus, I didn’t know what to expect for myself. I had a lot of uncertainties and questions as any confused, immature teenage boy should. Am I going to fit in? How well am I going to do? I soon learn to realize that the “Brotherhood” here at Saint Patrick High School is something that I will never forget and that’s what makes this school so special. The camaraderie will linger with me for a long time.
When I first heard about Saint Patrick High School, many people told me that the “Brotherhood” at the school would be something to be foretold and truly a wonder. I have found this to be true in many countless ways. The bonds shared between my friends and me is honestly something indivisible. We all come from different neighborhoods, grade schools, and even different countries, yet the way we bond with each other is truly amazing to see. Being a part of the basketball team has made me realize what the word “Brotherhood” really means. The memories that I have made with my teammates and coaches will live on in my life choices and how I conduct myself. Not only my teammates, but also the entire student body as well. Seeing them being a part of the “Stud Section” and filling up every row chanting “Shamrocks Shamrocks!” as I am playing is a feeling that I will always cherish. Despite our differences, as Shamrocks, we all appreciate that we are the same because we are a part of something special in the Saint Patrick Brotherhood.
The teachers and coaches that I have met at Saint Patrick High School have truly made me the man that I am today. I am extremely grateful for them because without them, I don’t think I would have what it takes to be an adult and take on whatever obstacle is in front of me in the future. I learned to be a more confident person through basketball and by being more confident, it has allowed me to embrace my leadership qualities on and off the court. One of the most important lessons that I have learned through teachers and coaches is the ability to work with each other whether it is winning a basketball game or even working in a group project. The ability to work well with one another is a skill that will help me later on in life and that is something I will be forever grateful for.
Saint Patrick High School has also given me the opportunity to play basketball in one of the best programs and conferences in the state. I was given a great coaching staff and had the chance to play for Coach Bailey. Coach Bailey has made me a more confident person and has always believed in me no matter what. By playing under Coach Bailey, I realized that there is so much more to life than shooting a ball through the hoop. I realized that you can’t achieve anything in life without your teammates and by creating a special bond with them, you’ll go farther in life. As a senior on this year’s basketball team, it was my job to mentor the younger ones and by doing so, it has made me become a leader and a more confident person. I was able to step out of my comfort zone and teach the underclassmen what I have known about the basketball program. Coach Bailey has also taught me how to deal with adversity. On the court, I was always told to move on with the next play and to forget about your mistakes. One of the best life lessons that I have learned from Coach Bailey is during one of the team meetings. Coach Bailey told the team that “In life, you are going to be faced with a lot of adversity, and it’s not how you deal with it, but how you overcome and learn from it.” After hearing that, I knew that I could overcome anything in life because of that empowerment.
Coming to Saint Patrick High School has been one of the best decisions of my life. This school has given me so many opportunities and has made me who I am today. As I walk out of Holy Name Cathedral onto State Street on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, I will begin a new journey. I will be furthering my education as a business and pre-med student at Butler University. I will always carry these moments and cherish the memories I have made at Saint Patrick High School wherever I go. All I can say now is thank you. It has truly been an unforgettable ride. Stay loyal and much respect to the Brotherhood.
Go Shamrocks!
Sincerely,
Quy Dang ‘18
