High School wasn’t always easy. Between seven classes a day, after school clubs, jobs, sports practices and homework, there was little time to shower, eat dinner and sleep before having to get up and do it all over again. The idea of college and only having two or three classes a day and more availability to manage my time seemed like Heaven. I’ll admit, it is nice. There is more breathing room to fit everything into the day and to take my time on assignments that aren’t due for a few days. Although I denied this when I was there, I have come to realize that I really didn’t appreciate what I had until it was gone and I do sometimes really miss high school. So here is my apology for under-appreciating you, high school, and a thank you for all that you have done for me.
You gave me some of my most valuable friendships. Despite the exception of my childhood best friends that I grew up with who branched out in high school, you helped me to form friendships that I know will last my entire life. I thank high school for the everlasting bonds formed and memories made.
You helped me to branch out. Thanks to the opportunities and classmates that I was exposed to, I was able to branch out to join new clubs and take new classes that ultimately helped me to find my passions as a student and an individual. You bestowed in me confidence, individuality and open-mindedness. Without the diverse student population that is West Springfield High School, I would not be who I am today or as willing to meet new people and learn new things.
Your teachers and faculty made me feel at home every day. Every school has a strict teacher or two, but without them, how do you know that they care? Thank you to my teachers who challenged me everyday with new tasks and assignments that ultimately helped me to become a more efficient worker. Thank you to my teachers who were passionate about their subjects and my guidance counselors who helped me through the entire high school and college transition process.
Thank you for the sense of unity and community. The schools that most of us attend after high school are significantly larger. Therefore, it is overwhelming to come into a brand new place and not know anybody, compared to being at high school and knowing almost every single person because you grew up with them. I miss knowing every single person there and I miss the familiar faces, smiles and people all around me. More so, I miss knowing who everyone was and their backstory.
Finally, thank you for the continued support even after graduation. The teachers that I had in high school influenced the way that I think and act in all aspects of my life. Their passions inspire me and I thank them for their continued support and belief in all that I, and the class of 2016, can do. Without them, I would not be as confident as I am, embarking on a totally new journey in my life.
Just last year, it seemed like high school was the last place that I wanted to be. I was ready to meet lots of new people, study more specific topics and be independent. Seven classes a day, a job, three clubs and a sport were not easy to balance. It’s not until I left that I realized how much I took for granted. I find that because of the jam-packed schedule that is high school, I am able to manage my time efficiently here at college. So, if you are still in high school and stressed out with your crazy schedule, or you are annoyed with the people around you, relax. Take a step back to appreciate your busy schedule, classmates and teachers. You are learning more than you may believe and you can look forward to starting the awesome, new and exciting college experience knowing that there is an entire high school back at home rooting for you.
