Freshman year Lily Bourne looked very different from the girl now eagerly trying on her cap and gown. I mean, the self-cut quarantine bob was still in full effect and a pair of ripped skinny jeans were her go-to for every single outfit. But more than just a questionable haircut and wardrobe, she had no idea what high school was like – blissfully unaware of CollegeBoard, Canvas, and college applications, she walked into Westmont High School with wide-eyes and an open mind.
I joined ASB because my friend Madeline Crowley said she was applying. We both sat through our Zoom interviews, completely unaware that eventually we would lead those same interviews together, welcoming in another class of excited freshmen applicants. As our ASB class grew and transformed, we established a trust built on mandatory bonding time and camaraderie in the face of disaster. I can still imagine Matthew Taylor crouching over our new BOTC banner fanning the wet paint after the original was thrown out days before the rally. Representing Westmont across the state, I’ve found that our ASB has one of the strongest programs of any I’ve seen, and that’s all because of the passion and dedication of its members.
I also joined field hockey and softball (with Madi, of course) and found a place as a Westmont athlete. Throughout the four years of different coaches, we experienced both the highs (free matching Kendra Scott bracelets for the seniors from Coach Taylor) and the lows (Coach Sugi telling us we were the worst team she’s ever coached). I’ll forever miss the feelings of peeling off my sweaty shin guards after a long game, finishing the final bleacher lap, and running through the JV tunnel after a win. The softball field brought me even closer to the sport I spent my entire childhood playing. When coaches say that sport requires blood, sweat, and tears, they really mean it. My teammates consistently impressed me with their resilience, discipline, and of course, their humor. I hope Regan Steele never forgets her christening as Boxer, the horse from Animal Farm (and I hope Bryce Hadley isn’t too offended by his subsequent Napoleon comparison…).
Inside of school, Room 58 allowed me to express my creativity in a way I never had before. I’ve always liked writing, but I used to purposefully write my essays simpler so my teachers wouldn’t think I was annoying. Now, I know Andy Evans already knows I’m annoying! Journalism and LIFE Crew both connected me with an incredible group of Westmont students, who shared similar values and interests with me. Back massages from Sinchana Holla, WordPress advice from Carter Cormier, and all of our delicious potluck snacks will be dearly missed next year.
Now as I write this reflection, I’m confronted with the physical embodiment of my next few months: my grad gown and prom dress hanging side by side, my college acceptance letter sitting on my desk, and a room full of 18 years of memories. I don’t know how I’m going to leave all of this behind, but I’m grateful to say I know I made the most of my time at Westmont. For anyone still reading, I can not encourage you enough to get involved. Join new groups, make new friends, and try things that make you scared. There is no reason to be wasting your time during high school worrying about the future. I know everyone says this, but the years go quicker than you think; by the time you’re done wishing you were older, you’ve already lived through the time you had. Although it’s hard to say goodbye, I’m excited to know that the future is out there. It’s uncertain, but it’s also open to imagination, to change, and to a world of opportunities I haven’t even imagined yet.