I was never allowed to get a job. I spent most summers at home and with my family. But, as I grew up, summers grew increasingly more fun and “adult-like.” Reflecting back on my summers during high school, I fondly recall the burning days spent at the beach, the endless hours of volunteering at Walden West, and most importantly the deep connections made along the way. As summer slipped away last year and the dreaded fall crept up, I began fantasizing what is now reality: ‘summer of 2024.’
It is going to be so good. I feel it deep down. I am excited for the responsibilities and activities that maturity and age bring… except endings. This summer, although filled with new exciting adventures, will also be littered with lasts and ‘so longs.’ Somehow, my sunny wonderland will have an element of sadness chained to its ankle. My summer will be spent concluding final days with the people and things I love the most.
Catapulting through my senior year at a steadily speedy pace, I tried to grab on to the moments; all my lasts. But, I didn’t realize it would all come to a halt. I missed out on many second semester senior activities because I was sick, so now, I am left cramming my last high school experiences into a few weeks. High school ends, summer comes, but this summer is different. I am no longer a child. I am in no way ready. I am forced to say adieu. But, I am also saying hello: to new opportunities, and a new chapter of life.
As an ode to all the good things that happened to me in high school, I want to thank the things and those who impacted me the most. To the ones who know me well and read this, you have impacted my life in an important way. No matter what association or “role” we had, Westmont’s community prepared me for the step of life I am in now. I am where I am meant to be.
This summer is my time to take it all in, to reflect and say so long (appreciating those who have impacted my life). I am over-enthusiastic about the next three months and what they have to bring. Although I am parting with the normal, I am ready (not [help!]) to move on.
Most surreal to me is my time with The Shield. Unlike any experience in school I have ever had, room 58 has helped me grow as a person and a writer. With unrestricted and uncensored writing opportunities, I got out all my thoughts these last two years. In 150 articles, I learned what I truly enjoy doing, world issues I wouldn’t have known about, and how to professionally express my opinion in an educated manner. I learned how to be me. Thank you journalism, thank you fellow journalists, and thank you most of all to Andy Evans. Without Journalism, I would not be half as confident to walk into college majoring in English education.
In 508 words, I’ve avoided the conclusion, I don’t have much more than 1 final word: Goodbye.