I have successfully finished my first week of college and although I am loving it, I couldn’t help but reflect on my senior year of high school during the past few days. While senior year was definitely stressful at times with floods of homework and scholarship applications, it was full of so many experiences that made for unforgettable memories and the best year of my high school career. Here are some of those awesome activities that I will miss as a college freshman.
1. Senior Pictures
I know this may not be at the top of every senior’s must-do list, but getting my pictures taken was without a doubt one of the best parts of my year. Other than your wedding day, there really aren’t many chances for you to get attention like that when being photographed. In addition to the fun experience, I’m also glad to have some snapshots of the person I was at the beginning of such a big year of my life.
2. Homecoming
The week of Homecoming was always one of my favorite weeks of the school year. It was a busy time helping Student Council perfect and complete dance decorations during lunch, but it allowed the whole school to come together for fun in a way that wasn’t possible other times of the year. I’ll miss seeing the whole community lined up on the streets of Bridgeport for the parade Wednesday evening, listening to special music and watching performances of various school groups during the Thursday morning assembly, transforming the cafeteria on Friday afternoon with Student Council friends, cheering the football team to victory or waiting with anticipation for the announcement of Homecoming Queen at the Homecoming game, and spending Saturday afternoon doing hair and makeup before enjoying dinner and then rocking out at the dance with my best buds. I also keep wishing I had a reason to shop for and pick out another homecoming dress.
3. Sporting Events
Being a huge sports fan, I loved attending any event—whether football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, or swimming. Also, as a member of the cross country team, nothing compared to having my teammates there to help me through a tough meet and returning the favor by cheering them on.
4. Student Council
Although I participated in Student Council all through high school, senior year was my favorite. Serving as Student Body Publicist allowed me to meet underclassmen I might not have otherwise. I also enjoyed being part of projects that did everything from offering fun experiences for my classmates to improving my school and community.
5. Seeing my Friends Every Day
I’ve already met some great people at college, but it’s been weird knowing my friends from high school are all in different spots. I know I will miss talking with them at lunch, seeing them in class, or even just passing them in the hallway.
6. Senior Play
When I was in elementary and middle school, I couldn’t wait to go see the productions put on by the high school. I always heard how amazing it was to be in a senior play and was eager to participate in mine when the time came. My senior show, “The Addams Family,” was one of my favorite shows I’ve ever acted in. I was able to step out of my comfort zone by playing the part of the crazy grandma and form friendships with seniors I may never have been able to spend time with if not for that experience.
7. Student Section Dress-Up Themes
I always enjoyed getting dressed up for football and basketball games. There was something exciting about one week cheering in my Hawaiian gear and then doing the same the following week decked out in red, white, and blue for an “America” theme.
8. All-School Play
While my Senior Play was an amazing experience, the All-School Play “Once Upon A Mattress” let me enjoy one last time performing in my school’s theater and getting to know other students from all grades. I played the role of the evil Queen Aggravain, which helped me to grow as an actress because it was so different from any role I had ever done before.
9. Prom
I wish that I could have at least one more Prom because while picking out a dress and getting ready was fun, I had a great time spending the night with friends at the dance and then going to an After-Prom event put on with help from parents and local businesses at the local Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. We were able to play lots of games and enter tickets in raffles for tons of prizes—including TVs, concert tickets, gift cards, and much more.
10. Senior Trip
Four days before my graduation ceremony, about 80 seniors embarked on a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for fun at Kennywood Park and a Pittsburgh Pirates game. I had an awesome day with some of my closest friends and was able to make memories with classmates I hadn’t spent much time with in years. I wish I could do it all over again.
