Dear Sir,

I am a student of TN Tatem Middle School. Yesterday was one of the greatest days of my life. I only ask that you would allow me a few minutes to share my feelings.

I’m not sure if you do that but as my mama would say, “you don’t know until you ask”.

I’m super-shy so this isn’t very easy, but I feel it is necessary.

Yesterday I woke up full of butterflies and full of uncertainty. As many people know, there has been a serious problem at my school. I know all too well because I have been feeling unwell. I get hives and break out badly.

Anyway, on with my story.

So I boarded the minibus designated for this journey into the unknown — destination Clearwater Middle School — with so many possible scenarios playing out in my head.

My fear has turned into sweat and my mind is all over the place. Well, my mind is always all over the place, so my mama says. I quote: “You microwave babies just have too much cooking in your brain and in an instant you’re distracted.”

As we pull up to the school, I can see a sign that read “Welcome TNT to the Eagles Nest”. I could hardly believe my eyes; they were happy to see us.

The principal at Clearwater is a fashion icon. The teachers looked like shiny new pennies and our teachers looked like they were ready to take on the world.

As we transitioned through the day, the surprises kept coming. I even got to meet a twin sister to one of my teachers. I met some people who knew me and I didn’t know them directly. I met people who I’d never even seen before. My bus ride home was full of laughter and anticipation of the days to come.

So one may wonder why I wanted to write this to you, and this is why. I just wanted to say a big thank-you to our new family and friends; our Clearwater Eagles for making us feel welcomed and loved.

This journey has not been easy, and you have truly made sure we felt your love. To my teachers, I’ve seen some of you cry and hurt over this situation; I’ve seen the pain and anguish in your faces. Yet you still came to school, you still taught us when we were not the kindest and most obedient. You fought for us.

In the words of the late great Robert Nesta Marley, “Who feels it knows it.” You all are heroes in my eyes. I love and respect you for your love and dedication. I am so truly grateful.

To the parents of TNT and Clearwater middle schools, I love you all. Why Clearwater parents, one may ask? Well, they trusted their principal enough and loved us as students of Bermuda and allowed us to come into a space that their children occupied without even so much as batting an eyelash.

Our parents fought along with our PTA to make sure that our voices were heard. Mama, you sat with me in the hospital when the hives took over my body and I’m sure that you thought that they took over my mind, too. Because, let’s face it as young people we sure do act a bit crazy from time to time.

To both of our political parties, the Honourable Premier and Honourable Leader of the Opposition.

Last but not least, to our newly appointed governor. I know you all have so much work to do and I’m only a kid, but I ask you all to think about the reason for the season.

It’s Christmas and we all need to stop and love one another. We may never agree on everything, but if us as students, teachers and parents can come together for the best of us all, then so can you. Please show good faith and do what is best for us all, set your differences aside and think about how you can become better at communicating your differences.

To our new governor, I know you’re a smart man; if not, the Queen would not have sent you here. Please come out and see that we, the children, are the future and if you need any help, I mean anything, I can help you.

Bermuda is a beautiful country with lots to see and I know some good spots to watch the sunset.

I love my country, its people and its guests. I hope you can be a ray of hope and change for the children while you are here.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone.

Lovingly submitted,

CHE’-CHULAE’ MONET DOWLING

“I soar towards the moon so I can fall among the starz”