To A Senior In Highschool

It’s not a daily drive anymore, but in that rare occurrence where I do pass Grim road, I not only pass my old high school, but I pass four years of memories and am blinded by the bright reader board.

Whether I had an ASB meeting that morning, or I just wanted to make sure I got my parking spot, I was always one of the first to slowly fill the hallways. Hopping back and forth from the business lab, the senior bench, Huff’s room, and finally to the music room. I was like a nomad, and everywhere I went I found friends.

These moments are all just memories now; I can’t relive them, nor do I want to. High school was great, but almost a year later I am so relieved to have that chapter completely gone. I love not having class at 8 am, the increased quality of lunch, and the fresh start.

Why am I writing about a point in my life that is over? Well, because my plans didn’t shape out the way I thought they would, and I want to acknowledge that.

Mistakes and choices were made, and it has led me to where I am now. I am doubting a major I once was completely and utterly passionate about, researching different universities, and sporting a haircut I gave myself and am too lazy to get it fixed. I have felt like a disappointment for the longest time to the point where I lost my motivation for everything. My grades started to drop, my friendships took a hit, and I feel like I lost the ability to write a decent sentence.

I used to think I had to have everything put together. I needed to be prepared for the million dollar question, “what are your plans after high school?” That question shouldn’t feel like you’re on jeopardy with a spotlight directly on you, no matter how cool it would be to be on a television show.

Life doesn’t and shouldn’t have a detailed itinerary. I wish I knew that. So long I had my life planned out until 2022. So, to the senior in high school who feels like the jeopardy song has been playing a bit too long, don’t be afraid of your answer. After all, it’s only a question.

I think that's one thing everyone around you fails to mention: it's okay if your plan changes once, twice or nine times. What's important is you keep trying and don't give up.

No matter what the bump on the road is, financial troubles, family emergency, poor health, or maybe just a loss of motivation and drive. I hope you find it in you to keep working towards what makes you happy.

Don't settle for something fast and easy either, because like Nelson Mandela once said, "There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."