As I come to the end of my four long years of journeying through high school, I have begun to realize a few things I wish I had known from the beginning.
First of all, it’s never that deep. I know, I know, it seems so hard to see a future beyond whatever event awaits you, but I promise it is there and so much brighter than you think. From that upcoming test that keeps making you cry, or if you and your friend got into a fight, I promise you will make it out to the other side. It might not look how you thought it would, but it will be ok nonetheless.
Second, you need to fail. I always thought failure was the worst thing in the world—spoiler alert: it’s not. Because if you don’t fail, you will never be able to appreciate your successes. If you don’t fail, you will not find out who is there for you when you truly need help. And most importantly, if you don’t fail, you will never find out who you really are when things get tough. You won’t know if you are the type of person who needs a nap before they pick themselves up again, or maybe you just need to talk to a friend, but either way, you need to figure out who you are when things go wrong.
Third—its easy to watch out for the big things, but don’t let the small things slip by. You know that lyric by John Lennon, “life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” Yeah. That. I hate to say it, but I don’t remember when I got on any of those tests I lost my mind studying for. What I do remember are the late-night drives with my friends screaming to songs with the windows down; the laughter filling Andrew Evans’ room, losing my voice at rallies; and being annoyed at Mr. Hadley because of that one test question—wHiCh Of ThEsE cHaRaCtErS iS mR. HaDlEy’S lEAsT fAvoRitE? It’s easy to get caught up, looking forward to graduating and leaving these days behind you, but honestly, it’s not as cracked up as it seems. Just appreciate the small things around you right now—future you will thank you.
Fourth—it’s not that hard to make new friends. Start the awkward conversation with your classmate. Talk to that person on your walk to your car. You never know who you will meet and who is going to join the list of people to update on your life. Also, it’s not that hard to be a good friend. Reach out. Let people know you are there for them. Reach out if you need help. Put down the textbook and go to the mall. Be willing to say yes. Your life doesn’t need to revolve around school. You are so much more than that.
Fifth—experience it all. I know my words, like all other senior reflections, have no real meaning, just a bunch of sentimental seniors saying, “it goes by so fast.” I know you won’t believe or understand my words until you experience it yourself. So experience it. But do it with your whole heart. Don’t walk into relationships with one foot out the door. Don’t study for your tests half-heartedly, saying it doesn’t matter how you do, because you didn’t actually try. Don’t quit when it gets hard. Don’t say no because you are scared. Experience the highs and lows. Experience the love and the heartbreak.
Sixth, and my last comment to leave behind—appreciate what you have. Because if you look around, I promise you will find friends who care about you. You will find teachers who want to help you succeed. Classes that prepare you for the future. A high school that you will remember forever, and one that, when it comes down to it, you won’t want to leave behind.