Dear Northern Highlands Class of 2017,
We’re two months into our first school year without each other...crazy, right?
For the majority of you, it’s safe to say that you don’t miss any aspect of high school, nor want anything to associate with the place ever again. At times I feel the same, but a good amount of time is spent thinking about each of you, and wondering how you all are adjusting to college life, or whatever path you have decided to go down.
Walking around campus and not seeing any of your faces is still a concept I have yet to get used to. I’ve grown up being around many of you since we were very little, and it’s strange having few people that are from the same school as me, let alone the same county. It’s good to have diversity though, and I hope you all are finding this same change a very unique experience.
At first, I wasn’t ready to leave our school behind, or our grade where we were all so familiar with each other. The thought of going to college terrified me, yet had me excited at the same time. I craved a new adventure but wanted all of you to come with me. I didn’t want to split up from a group of people I knew so well and was so accustomed to.
Although I miss you guys with all my heart, I’m realizing it’s good that we have finally branched off. Too much of the same thing does get tedious after awhile, and we need to be able to explore new environments and surround ourselves with new faces and personalities. I’ve enjoyed being able to do both, and I hope you all are too.
There are many aspects of my college and people here that remind me of Highlands (and not just those from our grade who are here with me). It’s like having a little piece of you guys (and our high school) with me everywhere I go, and I’m very thankful to have it. Being two hours away from home, and being able to relate different parts of college to the friends, classmates, and events I know from back home makes this transition easier.
Despite all the comments that circulated about how we all hated each other, or any other negativity, we had a sense of unity that I observed each and every day inside and outside the classroom. The inside jokes, the constant laughter; really just the way we all knew each other, and how easily we were able to interact and bring out the best in each other.
We were able to communicate and work together with each other to get through the obstacles of high school while trying to find ways to enjoy the experience with each other as much as we could. I’ve seen it all. I loved every minute of it and would relive it again in a heartbeat.
Where did the time go?
Prior to graduation, I debated whether or not I should try out to be a speaker at the ceremony. If I had and was chosen, I’d probably be saying roughly the same of what I am right now. Unfortunately, the introvert in me won, and I wasn’t able to give the speech I wanted. Even though I can never fully express what you guys mean to me through a speech and in person, this letter will do for now. However cheesy it might be, it’s all true. I really miss you guys.
Whether you were an acquaintance, a stranger, or a close friend to me, it doesn’t matter. I have the same amount of appreciation for each and every one of you, and I’m thankful you were part of some of the greatest, memorable years of my life. I have nothing but love for you guys, and I wish you all the best during college, and in the years beyond. Let’s take on the world.
Love your fellow classmate,
Skylar Moody