Senior year has finally come to an end. All these years of waking up at seven in the morning, putting on the first thing in sight, and dragging myself into the car to the same building for three years are over.
These past four years have had such a significant impact on my life. I have entered so many doors, each time leaving with new knowledge and more experience than before. The ups and downs of high school are what make it magical.
I will never be in the same school with the same people since the age of six anymore. I will never live through high school ever again, and although that makes me incredibly sad, I’m ready for my next chapter.
High school has brought many downs. From staying up finishing notes or a study guide to waking up extra early to finish what I wasn’t able to the night before. Yes, sometimes high school made me want to drop out, but genuinely I always liked coming to school. That would all be thanks to the amazing mentors I have had the privilege of calling my teachers throughout the years.
Thank you to Mr. Castle, who has enhanced my love for English and writing. Who has taught me so much about being able to use my writing skills to deliver my thoughts and opinions. The Clarion will always have a special place in my heart as it was the first class I truly felt companionship in and that felt like a family. That was all made possible thanks to the amazing advisor.
Gracias a la Sra. Ramos, quien me enseñó la importancia de seguir conectada con mis raíces y de nunca olvidarme de dónde vengo. Sus esfuerzos me han enseñado a ser independiente y trabajadora. Es una gran maestra que ha ayudado a muchos estudiantes a adorar su cultura.
Thank you to Mr. Terán, who has pushed me like no other teacher ever has. I have learned so much about how to become the best version of myself through hard work and resilience. Being a Hispanic woman, he has taught me that the real world is scary and that I have to overcome these barriers by outworking those around me. I may not be the best at stats, but that class has taught far more than just data, it has taught me real-life issues and how analyzing this data, you can help make a change in the world.
My friends are also who I’m thankful for. These past four years have taught me the power of friendship. Although that may sound corny, it’s true. My friends who make school tolerable and who I have learned so much from. My friends whom I turn to for consolation.
I cherish every single second I’m with them and they make me realize that everything will be okay. Our laughs and cries are what made high school, high school. They are so important to me beyond words.
I don’t know if I’m leaving for college yet but thinking about it makes me feel bittersweet. I will leave a lot of things behind. I will leave the comfort of my own home, I’ll leave my family. I will leave my sisters who made me a big sister and who I do everything for. I won’t be able to see them grow up anymore. My room won’t be the hangout spot for the three of us and my absence will lead to a lack of spontaneous trips to DutchBros. I won’t be the one to order through the drive-thru while my parents whisper their orders to me in Spanish. My parents who have been my biggest supporters will do so through FaceTime calls and texts. I will miss my mom randomly cutting up fruit for me and buying me my favorite snacks to come home to after a long week of school. I will miss my dad coming into my room just to ask if I want to go to the store with him (his way of asking to hang out). I’ll miss sitting at dinner with my family unpacking our days as my mom serves her delicious homemade food that fills the house with the native aroma of Mexico and love. Gracias por todo lo que hacen por mí. Sus sacrificios son los que me empujan cada día a convertirme en alguien de quien estén orgullosos. Los amo.
However, I will gain a new home in whatever place I plan to go to. I will gain more friends who will turn into second family and I will find my place in the world.
The sport I played for eleven years also ended this year. It’s been a hard pill to swallow knowing I will no longer play with my teammates. I’ll miss everything about soccer. From the sport itself to the vlogs recorded for me to watch over and over. To my teammates, thank you for making soccer the sport it is, I would not enjoy the game as much if it wasn’t for any of you. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be part of a team.
High school is over. I have struggled to come to terms with this but now I can say that I’ve accepted it. It was a fun roller coaster ride with many twists and turns, but now it’s time to get off and get on life’s biggest roller coaster.
