The best period of my life by far has been the start of my senior year, and I genuinely cannot stop feeling so grateful. There are so many things to be grateful for in the world that we live in today: shelter, food, clothes, all miscellaneous things that I get to buy when I accidentally go into Target, and most importantly, safety. These undeniable human needs are something that millions currently do not have access to, so I find it important for myself to find time to be thankful for these things because it can be easy to take them for granted. This is why this fall, I am thankful for two specific things: college and my best friends.
I am a Middle College student at West Valley College (WVC), and I can say without regret that this has by far been the most rewarding experience of my entire life. Let me start by saying that no, I do not hate Westmont. That is not why I chose to leave. Following my senior year, I will be attending WVC anyway, and with my major being mechanical engineering, it would have taken me three years after graduating to complete all my requirements. This program ensures that I will be able to graduate college on time. I am not going to lie: I was terrified walking into this program. I thought I made a mistake, but now I can confidently say, fourteen weeks in, that this was the best choice for me. I find myself having more time since I only have one to three classes a day and a flexible schedule, and it is honestly rewarding to know that I am learning to the best of my ability along with having plenty of time to keep up. At Westmont, I looked up to plenty of my teachers such as Andrew Evans (who still graciously lets me write for The Shield!), Diane Leo, and Brett Petersen, and I find myself looking up to many of my teachers at college as well, including Joshua Hancock who taught at Westmont for some time before deciding to teach Middle College English. All I can say through this experience is that I am extremely thankful for this opportunity. Starting college a year early has been the best decision, not only for myself but also for my mental health.
Although I am eternally grateful for Middle College, I am just as grateful for my two best friends, Anna Genna and Sophia Orr, who have supported me through his journey. Best friends prove as lifelines; they are always there when you need them, and their endless love and support get you through even the toughest things. I want to take a moment to thank these two for being the lovely people that they are and for supporting me throughout high school. I have known Anna since middle school, and our endless banter and trips to the farmers’ market keep me going. On the other hand, I have known Sophia since sophomore year, but our bond feels so strong with endless tarot card readings, baked goods, and a promise that we will lead good lives. It is so important to surround yourself with good people, and Anna and Sophia are the best people that I know, so thank you, for loving and putting up with me. As a senior, knowing that you and your best friends will most likely be separated during college is so hurtful. Therefore, this year is extra special for me, and I feel extra thankful for my best friends. I find it hard sometimes, like most people, to be thankful for the people that we already have in our lives. People that are constant, people that vow to never leave and you know that they mean it. It can be easy to dismiss them as just normal people in your lives, but I firmly believe that you should take a moment this November to thank all the people in your lives that make life worth living.