During her senior speech, Ayala '25 reflected on her time at Commonwealth through the lens of T.S. Elliot's classic poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." "This modernist, stream-of-consciousness poem resonated with me," said Ayala, though she and its author "have almost nothing in common."

Unpacking the feeling of having nothing in common with your peers, Ayala reminded her listeners that it "can be really hard"—as it was for her coming into Commonwealth, even though she can now look back with gratitude on "eighteen years of experience truly understanding the people around me. People who look and act like me, and people who don't." Then, expanding in "a very Commonwealth" way, Ayala regaled the audience with her own riff on "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." "It’s probably the best testimony to show how Commonwealth has continued to build me to be the curious, creative, and open-minded person I’ve always been."

Keep reading to enjoy her verse and watch the full speech here. 

The day of freshman orientation, through undeserted streets, the upscale retreats, of restless people, and lavish restaurants with fresh- caught oysters. 
    The streets of Boston, that if you’re a tourist, follow like a tedious argument of insidious intent
And, no, in your sophomore year,  
there will not be time for all the works and days of hands, 
that lift and drop a question on your plate, 
nor will there be a time for you and me to figure out the geometry. 

And time yet, for a hundred indecisions about what winter sport to do, 
And for a hundred visions and revisions of your weekly paragraph,
Before the taking of a mini bagel and cheerios at recess. 
In the room, students come and go, talking not of Michelangelo, but of the long lines of the new Raising Canes on Boylston Street.
To my friends, let us go then, you and I, when the evening is spread out against the sky featuring the double rainbow of fall hancock. 

I grow old... I grow old…
I shall wear the bottoms of my jeans rolled. 
Shall I part my hair in the middle? Do I dare eat a peach?
I shall wear Brandy Mellville white linen pants and walk upon the beach.

I have heard the Commonwealth mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think that they will sing to me.

We have lingered in the chambers of the Dartmouth lobby
By sea-girls wreathed with clear tape and a blue wig.
Till the first period bell wakes us, and we drown.

While I hope you enjoyed my slightly artistic rendition of four vital years summed up into a speech, 
I want to leave this message within your reach.
My time with everyone, including faculty and staff has been an amazing experience, 
more than one can ask.
While there have been many ups and downs, 
and moments where I’ve felt like I’ve been the only one in certain crowds.
Crowds where we’ve had experiences alike.
Times where I’ve been late because of Mass Turnpike,
There is no other experience I would’ve wished to survive,
Other than with the class of two enior five. 

Watch the Speech