“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
We always hear this sentence whenever something big is coming to an end, and every time I hear it, I wonder: Why not both?
Now, I may be saying this because I am a crybaby, and tears can spur me out at any moment. However, what I am really trying to say is that new beginnings are a blessing. We shouldn’t see this ending upon us as heartbreaking or scary, we are now finally getting to live our own lives. We should all be smiling, even with tears in our eyes, because this is the perfect time to follow what our hearts have been beating for and follow the gateway towards our dreams.
I’m excited to see the amazing things the people around me will accomplish and to see their dreams come to life. We’ll no longer be walking past each other in the hallway, working together in groups, or laughing our butts off when we get the chance. We’ll soon be seeing each other from afar, and I’ll always be wishing the best to everyone, even if I didn’t share any moments with them. I know every student here at Selma High is capable of great things, and this is the beginning of the class of 2025’s journey.
My high school experience wasn’t what I thought it would be, but I’m not upset because these past four years have been my greatest learning experience. I have learned not to be so hard on myself, and that good things take time. I have also learned that comparison is the thief of joy, and I am my own person and have my own strengths. Most importantly, I have learned that everything happens for a reason. It was hard for me to believe that the hard moments I faced were all a part of a puzzle, but I am finally getting to see the artwork these pieces have led to, all with a smile on my face. It all makes sense to me now.
Despite the fact that I would dread coming to school, I will forever cherish the blissful moments when I wasn’t counting down the minutes till class was over. I will be sad that these moments are coming to an end, however, I am more grateful than anything that I was able to share these wonderful memories with the people around me.
I will miss my AVID family. Mrs. Vang was right, the people I was seated next to since the first day of freshman year quickly became my second family, the people I grew with and will always care for. Alongside Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Filkins, who have always allowed me to be my loud and humorous self in their classroom, and would even join me in my long tangents. Mrs. Manter, who never doubted me once and pushed me to my greatest potential with her vivacious personality. Lastly, I will always deeply appreciate Mr. Castle’s inspiring words and the days he played Fleetwood Mac/Coldplay when we all needed a break, giving us all a moment to breathe. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the guidance of the powerful teachers we have on campus.
Now, I am off to start my journey at UC Davis, which is the jump I am most excited to take. I have ultimately found the path best suited for me, all thanks to Selma High and all its offerings. Yes, I will cry when it’s over, but the tears will be accompanied by a big smile on my face. It’s happy tears that are smeared across my face as this chapter is coming to an end.
P.S. If you ever saw me in the hallway with an agitated look on my face, I promise that’s just my face. I don’t hate you.