We go to school everyday. We learn pointless things, but we are never taught how to love ourselves. We aren’t taught how to make moments last. But I think the most unfair thing, is that at the end of high school, we are tested on something that we were never taught. We have to stand in front of each other and say goodbye.
I remember it starting, four years ago. My mom has been assembling the paper trail I’ve left behind, and it’s ridiculous. I’ve changed a lot since beginning high school. Some of it is obvious; one changes in appearance over four years. For me, most of it are the personal changes that come from new experiences and new friendships.
Since my freshman year, I have discovered myself. I discovered my love of history, I discovered what I wanted to do with my life. I met my favorite teacher as a junior, and he had a huge impact on the way I saw life. I became a stronger feminist, and I was honest with myself in regards to my views. I grew, through years of band, as I learned about how to work as a team and an individual. Music has been a huge part of my life these last few years. It has taught me passion, dedication, and will. It has introduced me to my best friends.
I don’t remember much specifically from my freshman and sophomore years. Few things stand out as making me who I am. The few things come in the form of people, as I made two of my best friends that year and had my first relationship, that lasted until the very end of my junior year. Sophomore year was my first year in the big house, simply going along with the flow. I joined new clubs and extracurriculars. I met new people of all different ages. I learned about growing up.
Junior year, I remember. It was an interesting year; the last year in the old high school. It had many firsts, in addition to all of the stuff I was still doing. First years of APs, jazz band, and the full brunt of high school drama. It had its ups and downs, definitely. Finally, as a senior, I can fully appreciate everything I’ve done over my life. This year was my year, all I did was win, win, win. I’m glad that what happened happened, starting from the summer of ’09 to right now. I don’t regret anything, which is a lot more than what others can say.
I can honestly say that my senior year was the best year in my high school career in every aspect. In academics, extracurriculars, friendships and even, in some ways, relationships. I have grown, both as a student and as a person. This year was a defining year for me; as it could have gone in so many different directions. And in August, I will be heading in another new direction. I am ready to face the challenges that college life will bring, and I am ready to do so with the same intensity I had this year.
Yet I leave my legacy behind in the people who stay; my underclassmen friends, to you I pass the torch. It’s your turn to shine and sparkle now. I wish you all the luck and good fortune in the world. I know that you will make me so proud, because you already have. This is your time.
To my fellow seniors; we’ve finally done it. My friends are all going off to different places, some locally, some far away. And I know they will all excel at everything they do. My senior friends are the ones I’ve known the longest, and without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. And to all of my friends, regardless of age. You have made me. To quote Wicked; “You’ll be with me, like a hand print on my heart. And whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend.”
Yesterday, I became alumni. I surprised myself. I didn’t cry. I have made my peace with high school, with leaving, and with life. I had an amazing ride the past four years, yet I am ready to move on and try my hand at new things. I was not sad as I walked across the stage on the field that I marched on countless times. I was excited. I know I will leave people behind and I will meet new people. The only world I’ve known for the past eighteen years will now divide into two separate, yet equally important universes. I am ready for this.
As for high school? All I can say is that it’s all just a memory now.
It’s been real, Class of 2010. Good night, and good luck.
pour your empty heart in it but finish what you started 