“All good things must come to an end”
A quote I never appreciated nor understood growing up. At first glance, it seems like a quote of depressing reality. A reminder that your joys will end. It’s something I would often think about in the middle of a happy moment, a delicious ice cream bar whose flavor will melt away, the rush of a roller coaster that will halt at the end of the track, all moments of joy are limited. But, looking back on my years here at Selma High, I found the true meaning behind those words.
Instead of worrying about the end, enjoy the moments without sorrow. Things are good because they end. Value the moments you have together because they are rare, and keep them safe in your memory when they are over. Rather than longing for the past as we live on, enjoying what I have and what is yet to come is something I’ve grown to accept and appreciate. So as I look back on the past, I look at it with admiration.
Let’s start at the beginning, that aisle at the edge of the locker room in August of 2021. Where my friends and I stood around with the typical shyness and awkwardness that comes with being 15 year olds who haven’t socialized in two years of online school. Our antisocial tendencies push us to the secluded end of the locker room, ironically fueling our social sides to form the bonds that have held us together for the past three years. We also made our way to room 2206, our ‘home away from home’ in a sense. With a few additions of friends over the years, from around the world or around the corner. I find it so beautiful to leave highschool knowing my friends and I were able to find each other and have a connection so close. We really watched each other grow up. Our traditions of celebrating holidays and birthdays together really made you all feel like a family to me, traditions that will definitely continue into adulthood.
I will always remember sitting in our self-assigned seats during lunch in Mr. Filkins’ class. The ridiculous jokes and secrets spilled throughout the years, laughing until our stomachs hurt or bald scalps turning a cherry red.
I will always remember P.E. with Ms. Sultenfuss, the fun labs in Mrs. Peña’s class, our little “Clarion on three!” chants in Mr. Castle’s class, the family-like setting in AVID with Mrs. Manter and Mrs. Chang, joking around in the early mornings of psychology with Mr. Garcia. Although I always struggled with math, thank you to Mrs. Carillo and Mr. Filkins for making the subject bearable.
Thank you Ms. Sultenfuss for always believing in me on mile days.
Thank you Mr. Garcia for making my mornings fun.
Thank you Mrs. Manter for your positivity and motivation.
Thank you to all my friends who listened to me fangirl about Jungkook. Who love me and I love them unconditionally.
Thank you to my parents for always pushing me and making all that I do possible and worthwhile.
Thank you to my little sister, who I got to enjoy each moment with. I am ever so proud and grateful to have seen you succeed in high school. We did it!
Thank you Mr. Castle for your wisdom and entertainment through your stories and knowledge.
Thank you Mr. Filkins for giving me a safe space at school and a friend.
Thank you high school for teaching me so much. Especially about myself.
But now is the time for us to part ways. For you to be tucked safely away in the pockets of my heart and my mind, and for me to start my life as an adult.
Gone but not forgotten.
Where am I going?
With luck, Forward.
