Elliot:
If x +2 = y, you have a continuous diagonal line.
However if you have (x+2) times (x-2)/(x-2) = y
You would have a graph that looks essentially the same
But it would have one major difference in it;
A hole.

This may be difficult to see for multiple reasons.
The equation might be expanded
Causing it to look a bit more complicated,
Or as I said before,
The graph looks like it’s continuous,
Or in other words,
Without error.
However, just because you have not experienced life
At one specific point on a graph,
Does not mean there is not a hole there.
And as much as you try
To convince someone that there is no hole,
There will always be a hole.
You may even convince yourself there is no hole.
As much as you try to convince others
And yourself that there is no problem
With the way sexual assault victims
Are treated here at Loren Academy,
You are blatantly overlooking a massive hole in the equation.
A hole so undefined that by its existence
You hinder the progression of any line,
Or in comparison, you hinder anyone from feeling
Like they themselves are whole.

I major in mathematics here and I absolutely love studying it,
Especially calculus.
Because Calculus gives me hope.
Calculus is the mathematics of change.
We study how variables modify what kind of way a line changes,
How it progresses, using derivatives, integrals and much more.
Change might be thrust upon us.
But when it comes to internal change,
That is a choice we must make,
We ourselves must put in that effort.
I cannot force you to change your opinions
On the sexual assault policy.
However, I can show you how I have taken calculus to heart
And chosen to change.

When I felt disrespected
By being told I was too naive to understand truth,
I chose to strengthen myself academically,
I chose to work as hard as possible to learn and study.
I have now completed this semester of 11 classes
With a perfect gpa, 4.0, as a result.

When I felt isolated by people who felt my spiritual beliefs
Were only valid when it was convenient for them,
I turned directly to God.
He made up the difference for my imperfections
And taught me how to change for the better,
By teaching me to fail.
To be okay with making mistakes and still stand back up.

And when I felt like my integrity was being challenged
By a code I was expected to live by
That goes against my morals and puts innocent people in danger,
I actively sought to change it.
And when that did not succeed,
I worked instead on changing my environment
To make it a safe place where everyone would feel belonging.

Change can be a choice.
Sometimes we have to change our equation to eradicate holes.
And it takes change to become whole ourselves.
This school will never be whole
Until it changes to fill in it’s holes.
It doesn't have to be that hard.
It's just Calculus.
Thank you.