I can’t believe this is it. Time is a strange thing. I remember thinking high school was a “big kids’ thing,” something far off in the distance. Now, I’m here, thinking of designs for my graduation cap and writing my senior column. It feels surreal.
High school has been difficult and memorable—more chaotic, challenging, and rewarding than I ever imagined. Balancing assignments, studying for exams, and pulling all-nighters. Building friendships and making unforgettable memories. Through it all, I learned to push through moments of self-doubt and keep going, even when it felt impossible.
I still remember the first day I stepped foot on this campus after quarantine, stressing about getting lost and wondering if I’d have any of my friends in my classes. I was terrified of what was to come. Little did I know, freshman year would turn out to be the easiest year.
Freshman year was light and fun, though it didn’t seem that way at the time. Looking back, I realize it was much easier than I thought. I was an awkward 15-year-old, still trying to find my true self among my peers. Then came sophomore year—honestly, it felt like a fever dream. That’s when it hit me: high school is real, and earning straight A’s would require hard work and diligence. It was also the year I became more outgoing and made most of my lasting friendships.
Then came junior year. Wow. Junior year hit me like a bus, and I’m not exaggerating. From my first AP class to studying for physics and Honors U.S. History exams, all while dealing with personal struggles, it felt like a never-ending storm. Many things were going wrong and I never took a pause to truly deal with them because I was afraid of falling behind and never being able to get back up again. Yet, even through the toughest times, there were moments of sunshine. My friends made it the most memorable year of high school. They made the hard times bearable and even the boring classes fun. Although this year was challenging, it transformed me into someone I never thought I would be—outgoing, self-expressive, and confident.
And now to present day me, I am content with who I’ve become. I am grateful for every experience and every person who helped shape me into the person I am today. I truly believe I am the best version of myself. Every letter I learned to pronounce in elementary school, every middle school packet I completed during lockdown, and every sleepless night in high school preparing for exams has led me to this milestone. College application season was a wake-up call—a reminder that this chapter is ending. It was the first time I wrote down my accomplishments and strengths, making me realize how much I’ve grown. Now that the process is over, I can’t help but worry about the journey ahead, as I embark on a new chapter on my own, and also dread the upcoming heartbreaking goodbyes.
I owe so much of my growth to the people who supported me along the way. To my parents, who always believed in me and worked tirelessly to give me opportunities: thank you. Your sacrifices mean everything.
To my teachers, who saw my potential even when I couldn’t: thank you for your patience and guidance. You pushed me to be my best, even when I doubted myself. The lessons you taught me extend far beyond the classroom.
To my classmates and friends, who made these years unforgettable: thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the shared struggles. I’m grateful for the connections we’ve built. And to the next group of seniors: embrace every moment. Take breaks. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Have fun, you only get one senior year—make it count.
