High School

My high school experience was one of the best. I always thought it would be a long time before my senior year. Then, before I knew it, three years had come and gone. In a blink of an eye, I was a senior with less than three months until graduation.

Most of my peers were scared about starting freshman year. I on the other hand, was extremely excited. I was prepared and had already mapped out my schedule and route. My freshman year was crazy. It blew by with the speed of light. I learned so much, social skills, more than academic skills. I decided that I wasn’t going to just accept the stereotype as a freshman. I didn’t want to be picked on or excluded from experiences or groups. I socialized with people from all grade levels, including seniors. I made so many great connections and friendships. Although they weren’t always the best crowds, they all helped me grow as an individual. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about how it would affect me in the long run. All I was thinking about was making it through my first year of high school with good grades. I wanted to make friends and be involved in many groups and clubs. Looking back now, I see that this year specifically built my character. Some of my new-found friends graduated, and something changed...

My sophomore year, I was on my own again. I needed to restart and make some important decisions for my future. During the summer, I did some thinking on my own. After listening to the thoughts and opinions of my peers who had graduated, I came to a realization. I needed to figure out what I wanted: more friends or a good reputation and a positive high school experience.

My peers only had negative things to say about the school, staff, and the system. Their overall high school experience was terrible. I strongly believe it was their own fault.

I believe people are easily influenced by their environments. When you surround yourself with positive people, people who have similar goals, you achieve more. Even bad situations can end up being positive. It’s all about your surroundings and mindset.

I went into my sophomore year with an open and positive mindset and came out with so many options. This positive outlook opened many doors for me in the coming year. In addition to this, I learned that I have the most power. I control my attitude and fate.

From the beginning of my junior year, I knew it was going to be great. The transition was perfect, I got all the classes I requested. I was happy with everything. I went through the year being as involved as possible and working hard.

One of my favorite instructors started the year by giving us a little advice. He said, “By taking this class and having the schedule some of you have, you’re going to have to make some decisions. There are three things you’re going to need to juggle and you can only choose two. You have your social life, this class and academics, and sleep. You can only choose two.” I chose academics and sleep.

I packed my schedule full of tough classes and pushed myself all year. I took two AP classes, Chemistry, and Pre-Calculus. I managed to maintain good grades. Although I struggled with math, I worked my hardest and finished the semester with a passing grade. In addition to academics, I participated in athletics. I ran track and worked just as hard.

 All four years I have been an active member in sports. I believe they have been an important part of my high school years. With the rigorous academic schedule I had, there were times when I was stressed and didn’t think I could finish the year. On the toughest days, sports were there. I dragged myself to practice on the worst days and never regretted it. The two and a half hours of practice were just what I needed, a break away from schoolwork. Cross country worked as a stress reliever and helped me re-energize. At practice, I got to socialize, exercise and unwind. The best part of coming to practice was that we could all vent to each other and help one another through the smog of a bad day. No matter how many miles we ran, we all had each other's back and were going through the same pain. This helped us push each other and have fun doing it. Sports were another great opportunity to surround myself with positivity and people with similar goals and interests.

For me, my junior year was my best year. I accomplished so many of my goals, stayed involved, and grew as a leader. Finishing off the year, I was excited for my senior year. This was my year to finish strong and bring all my skills together.

“Last one, best one!” Some of my coach’s famous words. My senior year had finally come. After a summer full of family fun, I was ready to get back in the school groove. Going into the year, I already knew I only needed a couple credits. I knew I was in for a fun year. The first week back people were already talking about senioritis kicking in. I thought that was funny because I still felt like a freshman. It just felt like another school year to me.

Having one month to go, I am completely satisfied with my senior year. I arranged my schedule to fit my needs, socialized and work hard. I was also given a chance to pave my future. I had the opportunity to intern at our local hospital. This really helped me solidify my career and educational plans.

To my friends, family, and past educators, I will be forever grateful. They all helped me grow and prepare for the next journey in my life.

Sometimes I think about graduation and get butterflies in my stomach. Full of excitement, I am ready to finish this year strong as ever.

Just some words of advice. Don't let others influence you too much. Be your own person and pave your own path. You have the power, so use it! High school is just as horrible as you make it. Have fun and take advantage of these years!