By Kyle Arjoonsingh

I don’t think I fully appreciated Adelphi while I was here, and maybe that’s the most honest way to say goodbye. Leaving high school in 2022 felt strange because I’ve never been a fan of change. It’s not that change is bad, it just doesn’t feel comfortable in the moment. Now, as I reach the end of my final semester, I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t change a single thing about my undergraduate experience.

I remember my first day at Adelphi as if it were yesterday. It began with an 8 a.m. class, “Exploration in Mathematics,” taught by Professor Alvin Estrada. Whose idea was it for my first college class to be math? I’m still trying to figure that out. Still, I walked in extremely nervous and left realizing that college was not as scary as I had anticipated.

Nervousness is something I know well. I have always been reserved because of my fear of being judged. It took time to find my footing here, and at times it still feels like I am, but I have grown more than I ever expected. I am the child of two immigrant parents who came to this country in search of a better life. They were not perfect, but they did the best they could with what they had. One lesson they always instilled in me was independence. Growing up meant figuring things out. For them, it meant making ends meet; for me, it meant learning how to stand on my own, even when I didn’t know exactly what I was doing.

Writing became the space where I could do that for myself. I have been writing for The Delphian since my sophomore year. I have always loved writing, so when I learned there was an opportunity to contribute to the school paper, I took it right away. What started as a role as a staff writer eventually grew into co-features editor, and I am forever grateful for my time on the e-board.

My experience with The Delphian opened the door to so many more writing opportunities across campus. I completed an internship with UCOMM where my byline appeared in Adelphi’s official headlines, and worked with the communications department to publish pieces in its newsletter, all while maintaining a spot on the dean’s list for my eight semesters.

As much as I value those accomplishments, they are only a small part of my experience here. It would not feel right to reflect on my wins without also acknowledging the losses. My time at Adelphi is dedicated to my late grandmother, Judy Khan Maharaj, who passed away during spring break. Everyone called her Judy, even her children and grandchildren. It was never out of disrespect, it was simply who she was. We never questioned it, and she never felt the need to correct us.

My last picture with my grandmother taken in December 2025 when my sister and I surprised her for Christmas.

Photo by Karen Maharaj

Judy was not the most outwardly expressive grandmother, but her love was unlike any other. She was a no-nonsense woman who would cook as if there were no tomorrow. Growing up, when my parents had to work during the summer, my mom would take us to Trinidad to stay with her for the two-month break. For those months she became our mother, and I often wish I could relive those days. Wherever she may be, I hope she knows she is still a part of everything I do.

I can confidently say that the past four years have not been easy, but I am so proud of who I have become and everything I have accomplished along the way. I credit my family and close friends for supporting me through it all and helping me stay grounded.

My entire family in March 2026–they make grief less overwhelming and remain the foundation of everything I’ve achieved.

Photo by Leo Parris

With that, I leave this chapter behind with gratitude. To the future e-board members, contributors and students, continue to support The Delphian and help it grow as a space for your voices. As much as it hurts to say goodbye, I leave knowing the future of the paper is in good hands, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

To everyone I met at Adelphi — Skylar Dorr, my former co-features editor, thank you for your guidance; Professor Liza Burby, our former faculty advisor, thank you for helping me discover my love for journalism; and Professor Suzanne Valenza, our current faculty advisor, thank you for pushing me to refine my skills. To Arpan, Gabby, Troy and Sophia, thank you for being such an incredible, collaborative team. Thank you all for shaping me in ways I will always carry with me, for the lessons I expected and even more for the ones I didn’t. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for welcoming me into a space where my voice matters, even as I’m still figuring it out.