Jaden Sonnabend Graduation Speech

Jaden Sonnabend – Graduation Address – June 9, 2021

Many of you might know me, but for those of you who don’t, I am Jaden Sonogram, I mean Sonnabend. After I asked my mom to leave my old school in fourth grade, I wasn't sure if I had made the right choice. When I went on my shadow day, all those worries dissipated. I found myself in a school with teachers who wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone with their problems and students who were very inclusive even though I was a bit shy. Brandeis, from day one, felt like a second home for me. I have made so many wonderful memories here. 

When I came to this school in 5th grade, I didn’t yet have the love for learning that I do now. My first few weeks every day felt like a chore to get through, but that soon changed. My mother said to approach school like an alien who knew nothing and force myself to keep an open mind. I am happy that I was pushed out of my comfort zone and told to try things from a different perspective. It took some getting used to, but then it worked. I really liked being at school. Once I got past the reluctance to get out of my cozy bed, I was happy and grateful to have a school like Brandeis. 

Some of my favorite times are being in science class with Mr. Seymour and understanding the forces and the physics involved in things that I do every day. Now I know how roller coasters work, and I will always think of that class whenever I take a ride on one. Also, learning about the structure of an essay was a great experience because I was struggling, and I got undivided attention from Ms. Daniels on perfecting the form, and I have never forgotten that. 

I’ve had some of my favorite memories at Brandeis and that is thanks to my friends. One of my most favorite memories is when my friends taught me how to play Among Us. In the game, I was chosen as the imposter, but I acted supper sussy, so I lost, but it was still enjoyable. Brandeis was a place to learn but it was also a place to find your friends. 

Brandeis Marin will always hold a special place in my heart, as the place where I learned how to learn, a place where I made great memories and friends, and a place where I was taught to question everything. I have always loved Brandies, and I greatly appreciate it, but I probably don’t even know how much I will appreciate it in the future. I will miss going to Brandeis, but I will be able to happily look back on all of my memories and feel again what it was like to be in a great school. I would also like to thank all of my friends for everything that they have done for me. And thank you Brandeis Marin.