Although I did not begin my high school career in a normal convention, with a raging virus sweeping through the globe, I don’t think that should be the defining characteristic of my years in these halls. The past four years have been some of my life’s most fun and some of my life’s lowest points. The trials and tribulations of these past four years have molded me into the person I see in the mirror today. I don’t actually think there is an easy way to define what high school has meant to me or anyone for that matter. I remember the first day I walked back into school following quarantine and just wondering who I would see from my past. I had lost touch with so many people who used to be in my life; I felt I was going to have to restart everything. I am thankful that was very untrue, but I still remember the uncertainty I felt when I went to my first period of the day. The fear, anxiety, and confusion all steamrolling over my mind and coursing through my body left me scared as to what the next four years would bring me. Little did I know that I would end up meeting new friends who would become my family, a girl who would become the love of my life and a teacher who would be my guide through all four years.
After leaving my middle school, Rolling Hills, and being separated from one of my best friends since elementary school, I was scared I would never make another friend who was as important to me. Thankfully, I found someone who was able to just be real with me and never gave me any false truths or negative thoughts. I lost contact with him as time passed, but I will never forget the friendship he gave me through some of my absolute lowest points. On top of the friends I made while attending Westmont, the friends I was introduced to outside of school have truly made me a much, much better person. Meeting new people is probably one of the most terrifying things that anyone could go through; however, after hanging out with my friend who had transferred schools and meeting the people he had grown close to, I realized that we all are merely trying to get by through life. These people I slowly met created some of the happiest memories I will cherish for the rest of my life, and have formed a bond with me so tightly knit through hardship and stupid shenanigans that I refer to them as an extension of my family.
Sophomore year was most likely the rising action of my story. I had ended a long-tenured relationship and found a new peace with being alone. I wished for it never to end and to have full control of my life for what felt like the first time in ages. This all changed when I was introduced to a short, brown-haired girl in my chemistry class. I did not go all in on the first day; I was simply living my best life, having fun in class, and going about my days, ready for the next. In all honesty, I have forgotten the details of everything over time, but I will never forget the first homecoming dance we went to together and how I met her family before taking her to be my date. I have tried many times to encapsulate the feelings of comfort, happiness, and love that I feel every time I am with her into words, but each time, I have failed, in my opinion, terribly. Even when my memories fade, and I become an old, retired man trying to live out his days in peace, I will never forget everything I have gained through this relationship.
Entering Room 58 for the first time, as cliche as it is, I never realized how powerful my time in that class would be. Mr. Evans has provided me with so much wisdom and knowledge that I cannot begin to describe how much he has shaped my life. His guidance and acceptance have been vital to my time in his class, and I cannot begin to thank him for everything he’s done for me. The hardest part of leaving high school is definitely leaving his class and realizing that I only have one month until my last issue of The Shield will be released while I am an editor.
Every single person I have met and grown with these past four years will always be one of the brightest sections of my life—no matter what else happens in the future.