The Depot #2

By OLAYENI OLADIPO ‘19

Hey, Team! Welcome to ‘The Depot’, a storage facility for the topics of our time: the victories and defeats, the reliefs and worries, and the mindsets in the space of Milton Academy. I, Olayeni Oladipo, offer my services. Throughout the school year, I will apply my personal experience to the events we share in as students. I’ll comment on the characteristics of our community. And, most importantly, I’ll read and respond to the questions that you raise.

A depot is a warehouse, a place for the storage of commodities. In order for a depot to have value, it must contain deposits. While I make deposits of my own, I ask you, Reader, to fill this depot. Submit a letter, inquiring into a concern of yours that impacts your existence within the Academy. Send me a thought or question that you wish to be sorted, stored, valued, and remembered. ‘The Depot’ carries only truths. This figurative warehouse located on a page of The Milton Paper embodies the idea that all stories and identities are valid. In an effort to shine a spotlight on moments and viewpoints, I introduce to you ‘The Depot’, the newest storage facility on campus.

Last June, I deposited a goal into ‘The Depot’ stating that we, as a school community, should persistently strive to be our best selves and live our best lives. With that goal in mind, how was your summer, Reader? Were there any emotional breakthroughs or detected barriers that limited you from presenting your best self? Make a deposit, and share your newfound insight with the community. [Instructions on submissions at the end]

Pursuing this goal prompted me to practice self-questioning. I evaluated myself not in a deprecating manner but in a constructive way that dug at the roots of the intentions behind my actions. As I detected the sources of influence in my life, I began to label which affected me positively or negatively. Friends, family, television, and social media are examples of the external powers that existed during my decision making process. I found that the decisions with my family in mind aligned most with what was best for me. Meanwhile, considerations over social influence and my outward appearance often led me astray from my best self. My self evaluation revealed just how much control I possess over my emotions, my actions, and my susceptibility. Regardless of the media, drama, and pressures infiltrating my life, I could decide what I’d allow to impact me. With this consciousness of my will and autonomy, I found that carrying out the goal of being my best self was easier, as I knew what it took and recognized the power I had.

That’s what a summer of trying to be my best self revealed. Due to my experience in this practice, I now challenge you, Reader, to strive for another goal. This new goal complements the dare to be our best selves and states that we, as a school community, should strive to become more introspective, deepening our self understanding through the understanding of others.

I believe that knowing oneself requires more than an inward evaluation; it demands the understanding of others and the subsequent comparison that finally determines what’s truly important to oneself. The challenging thing here is the inherent sharing aspect– divulging our histories and vulnerabilities leaves us exposed. When we share, we’re often impeded by fear of misunderstanding, especially when our thoughts are sometimes clouded by external influence. Still, even with the fear and potential discomfort, I encourage you to share what’s important to you, as it can help the community understand you and better support you.

As we share and view ourselves with others, seeing our stories beside the stories of our peers, we can begin to appreciate the coexistence of each other and our cultures at Milton. The more we engage with one another, the better we understand ourselves. This schoolwide self-awareness will allow us to confidently act in our truest form. And this comfort in our bodies will also foster a confidence in standing up for personal beliefs.

I envision Milton Academy as a place where every student, staff, and faculty member possesses this self-consciousness and self-control, qualities that come only through a united, intimate community. At this Milton, every experience is valid, and we walk with respect and dignity. This vision is what my two goals reach towards. By trying to be our best selves and practicing introspection through dialogue, we notice the potential in ourselves and in our community.

What’s holding us back? In this 2018 - 2019 school year, let us push Milton as close as we can to its potential and realize that the school’s success depends on our success. As kind Ms. Foster says, “We have the power!” So, let’s get it done.

So long and until next time at ‘The Depot’.

Do you want a concern, opinion, or question of yours to be sorted, stored, valued, and remembered? Make a deposit to ‘The Depot’ today. Email olayeni_oladipo19@milton.edu and note whether you request anonymity. You can also drop off your letter in the TMP Office in Warren 304.