I said it once- I'll say it every year! This school year is going to be the best ever. I know that I'm going to end up saying this once senior year rolls around, but for now, let's just forget that. This year is absolutely going to be the best yet. I mean, hey, if you always live with the philosophy that the best is yet to come, you always have something (even if you don't quite know what it is yet) to look forward to! This year, for numerous reasons, is just amazing. I don't know why, but I just am in a state of excitement hopefulness, and a bubble of constant happiness. One of those reasons why is because this is my first year as an upperclassman- a junior! Although I'm still basically a baby, I'm starting to feel some of the effects of growing up. No matter whether you're in middle school, high school, or perhaps pursuing your post-grad- in this article, I'm going to highlight what I love most about being an upperclassman.

First off, this school is hardly even just a school to me anymore. It's literally my second home. I genuinely feel like I spend at least 75% of my day at school, and the only time that I'm home really is to sleep! But- I can't complain. I love being surrounded by people, I love loudness, I love excitement. I love to have fun, use my exorbitant amounts of energy for the greater good, work hard, and be productive. School is pretty much my happy place- and I'll try not to forget that even when it's 2 am and I'm crying because I'm hungry, tired, cranky, and still haven't finished my Chem lab.

By Junior Year, school is just like home to you. You're surrounded by familiar, loving faces like coaches, teachers, principals, lunch ladies, and custodians. You know almost every staff member by name, and maybe one of your custodians or teachers happens to be your coach as well. The reason that being an upperclassman is the best is that almost all of these teachers know you. They know you, your work ethic, what you're into, what you do outside of the classroom, what your goals and aspirations are, and who you genuinely are as a person. First impressions are so important, but it's beneficial to have teachers who are friends with your older teachers because they are sure to give a good review of the student, teammate, and person that you are all around.

You know these halls like the back of your hand. I have to admit, I was extremely excited to tour the freshmen around at their orientation, and to help them out on the first day. I like to think that I was always cool, calm, collected, and in control, but I guess that was me at one point- a school map in one hand and the handle of my wheeling bookbag in the other.

You actually do have a lot of school pride. Believe it or not, as much as you complain, at this point, you really have come to love your school and the vibrant student population. You have figured out that school is what you make it. There's no need to complain constantly or waste time claiming to hate it when really, it's just whatever you make it. Why not make it a fun four years?

The final thing that I absolutely love about being an upperclassman is the fact that I feel so comfortable at school. I feel so at home, cozy, happy, and safe at school. At the end of the day, no matter how much I complain and how much 'Senioritis' I may have by the end, I'm really happy in my school and am excited, hopeful, comfortable, and glad to be back and be able to share my favorite place with my new freshie friends.