August 25 always seemed so far away. During the school year every senior would be asked, " Are you ready?'. Without a doubt, of course, we would say we are ready. Are we really? Time never seemed to go by so fast. Now I'm sitting here writing this while looking at my pile of dorm stuff. It's here.

I believe that each and every one of us are meant to give a certain thing back to this world; our calling. What are you passionate about? Ever since we first started school we have been learning. While getting turned into someone who is ready to take on the world alone. No more teachers holding your hands, or not studying because you have a high enough grade an 'F' won't matter, no more copying homework at the last second, no more teachers reminding you of due dates, no more mom and dad to fall on. It is time to be an adult.

Sports are a major part of my life, they made me into who I am. Just as my team and coaches did.

The team and coaches that have made the most impact on my life is my high school track team. All my life and all the teams I have been on, I've never been apart of a team that was as close as we were. I was always stuck with mediocre coaches who played favorites and you questioned why they were even coaching. The track was different. We had coaches who were so passionate about it, you could tell just how much they cared. They transformed our team into a family. One I'll always miss. Yeah, we had some hard times but everyone does. I had some hard times myself, but I got help getting back up. We formed a bond with each other, especially in the relays. A special one. Our coach pushed us until we literally could not give anymore. Have you ever been pushed by someone who loves the sport as much as you? Not many of us can. That taught us that we are tougher than we thought, that we can take on anything and succeed. Our team was our most important value; engraved in our minds from our coaches. That's special, and something every one of us will carry with to new teams.

My best friends are the ones who remind me that I can't give up. Leaving each other will be filled with many emotions, but it's something we have to do. We have to go out and make something of ourselves. Be successful. We have formed a special bond that will not be broken. Don't be sad we are parting, be happy for we are chasing our dreams. To my underclassmen, from 200 miles away I will always support you and tell you to not be afraid of having big dreams. I am an average B honor roll student but have wanted to be a prosecutor since freshman year. Do you think I've been told I won't be good enough for that? Many times. Do not let anyone discourage you. Chase after what you are passionate about. That is your calling in this world. Thank you for making me into who I am, keeping me in line when needed, wiping my tears, listening to my rants, eating way too much pizza, being lazy, and just being among the handful of best friends I hold close to my heart.

My parents. Thank you for just being who you are. I know you wish I was more affectionate but I love you so much. Thank you for making me grow into a very strong independent young woman. For always being there; at my highest & lowest. For believing in my dreams and not letting me give up. For loving me even when I'm hard to be around. For giving me this life, and letting me do the sports I love. For instilling in me that an education is the best option. For telling me one positive when I tell you one negative. For knowing fake friends before I do. For spotting a boy who isn't worth it before I do. For the unconditional love from our family. For helping me get through really sad times. For showing me that all I need is the belief in myself. For making me aware of news around the world. For giving me a comfortable life. For showing up at every one of my ski races and track meets. For freezing outside, while I compete. For making me learn that no one will pick you up off the ground, because I did it by myself. For making me into a woman who does not live seeking the validation of others.

The class of 2016 was a unique one. Although we were a bit separated, we came together when needed. We had so many good times that I will remember. To all underclassmen, I know this town is small and boring but you will be thankful. I don't get another homecoming, snoweek, prom, going to hockey and football games. I never get to ski race as a girl from Virginia, I never get to walk onto the track wearing blue and white. Hold everything close to you. It made you into who you are. Cherish all the nights with friends, even the boring ones. Everyone says after you graduate you lose a lot of them. Enjoy the time while you have it. The petty drama is nothing, so stop making it into something. These times don't last forever. To the class of 2017, don't be afraid to follow your dreams no matter what anyone tells you. Senior year is stressful, but fun because eyes are on your class the whole year. Don't take the moments walking the halls of VHS as just another day, because soon you will never get them back.

Moral of the story: Thank you to everyone who helped make me into who I am. I will hold onto these memories. It is time now to make something out of ourselves and move on. The best is yet to come.