By Dima Kulakov

Reflecting on my thirteen years at UCC, one aspect of my experience stands out – the brotherhood.

To be totally honest, before March 2022, the brotherhood seemed like an abstract concept that was forced upon us by the older students. Sure, I knew most of the grade but I didn’t feel truly connected with most other students – certainly not to the point of calling them brothers. Outside of class, I felt very little reason to be at the school (not even to support sports teams or just chill in the grad lounge).

The last three months, however, changed everything. Beyond finally meeting Sirvan and Michael Ma, I learned that the UCC connection we share is unbelievably unique and strong. Unfortunately, due to COVID our first true grade-wide event was Y12 Batt Ball, yet this was the turning point for me. As crazy as it sounds, spending 4 hours in the sauna-esque basement of a frat house opened my eyes to the bond the boys have with each other. Believe it or not, I had the most heartfelt conversations of my life at the Batt after – Rich cried to Dante and I about our thirteen years at UCC coming to an end; Nick introduced me as a genius hedge fund manager to his date no fewer than seven times; Julian and I swore to become business partners after not interacting for four years; Dylan unreasonably complimented my Linkedin; Sameer promised to fly me out to the Olympics when he represents Kenya in discus. Although many of these conversations were not the most coherent (iykyk), they truly came from the heart. It meant the world to me, and I know I’m not alone, to feel how much we all meant to one another; to understand that once you have stepped foot on campus, there will never be a moment when someone isn’t there to support you.

As the graduating class leaves the halls of 200 Lonsdale behind, we all hope that the brotherhood returns to all-time highs at the college. Personally, I urge everyone to take some time to appreciate UCC and the community it provides you with – think about how much UCC has done for you and how much your brothers shape UCC (ultimately, it’s the students who make the college special). 

While, as a Y11, I could not wait to be over and done with high school, I now wish it would not end so quickly. With one week to go before I become a UCC alum, I do not regret dropping HL math or losing last week’s house basketball game; I regret not uncovering and appreciating the brotherhood earlier. Now that I understand how special the bond between UCC students is, it is saddening to think how many incredible moments and relationships I missed out on. On the other hand, I am so happy and thankful for being able to enjoy my final months at the college surrounded by 160 brothers. 

12s, although I know we will all go our separate ways, I’m confident we will stay brothers for life. Thanks so much for making my time at UCC unforgettable. I wish you all the best. Always remember that the boys are there for you, no matter what you are going through – you’ll never walk alone.

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don’t be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm

There’s a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you’ll never walk alone

You’ll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you’ll never walk alone

You’ll never walk alone