I remember my first day of high school like it was yesterday. Going into a new school filled with opportunities and experiences, I was excited for what was to come. Four years later, after many laughs, tears and memories, high school is officially done. How could it have finished in the blink of an eye? It did not. I can picture walking through the narrow hallways for the first time – getting pushed and shoved like I was trying to fit into a place where I did not belong. However, through my time spent in high school, I have found that the secret to life is that a person does not have one specific niche. You can be the captain of a sports team but also sing in choir. You can find comfort in art while also planning to fight for your country. Or, you can be like me – that person who tried everything and even if an experience did not work out in the end, it was still worth it.
My last day of high school was not even close to my first day of high school. I did not complain when my alarm went off and even woke up before my alarm. I did not race out of the classroom when the final bell rung but instead continued to take in all of the amazing quirks and memories that high school has to offer. The last day was filled with many lasts, but I also noticed new people, things and places. High school has been a journey and I am still uncertain if it will lead to a destination or just continue onto the next set of memories.
As a person who has officially had her last day in high school, my advice to the rising seniors is simple. Even if it may seem far away now, in the blink of an eye, you will be saying your goodbyes and reminisce over the memories you have made with your friends and teachers. You will look at all of the signatures and letters written in your final yearbook, and understand the impact people can have on each other. So while you still have many more days left, walking the halls and making high school memories, make the most of what you have. Sometimes you will not understand the value of something until it is over.
For me, the last bell has rung and now it is time for bigger and better things. Instead of starting school in September with my friends and teachers who are so familiar to me, I will be going to a new place where the faces are foreign and strangers will hopefully turn into friends. From me to you, embrace all of the highs and lows that high school has to offer – the good moments will turn into memories and the bad moments will become lessons.
My last day of high school was not like my first. Instead of saying hello to strangers, I said goodbye to friends. Instead of looking ahead to the future, I looked at the moments and memories that made this brick building into a home. Four years ago, I felt scared and was afraid I would be out of place. I was out of place, but in high school, everybody is. Just smile and continue forward – the best is yet to come:)