I remember freshman year as a time of over-dramatic teen angst and discovering my love of the cafeteria’s puppy chow. I remember sophomore year walking into the chemistry room to find a new explosion going off or even a story about smothering the halls of PR after school while experimenting with fire extinguishers. I remember our AP U.S. History class practically crying as the note cards full of terms reached closer and closer to the stratosphere. And I remember the countless dress up days, PRAC, and football games of senior year as well as the people I really took the time to get to know. My four years at PR, as corny as it sounds, transformed my attitude, work ethic, and ideals as an individual.
Granted, I’m ready for a new start as I’ll be attending Truman State University in the fall; high school generated multiple new habits and gave me the attitude that will influence the decisions I make next year. It’s always a great idea to join a club, sport, or activity of some type. Being involved in yearbook, newspaper, Spanish NHS, Link Crew, and soccer, I had plenty to keep me busy and focused. Along with keeping me on my toes, I met a lot of great people and have had great experiences with each activity I was involved with. Proactive students derive a sense of self-discipline, focus, and determination, which I think are all key to success in college.
Whether it’s joking with Wads in Anthro about how I’m unlike a human and more like an ape, or our AB Calc class continually answering “Area!” after Mrs. Gilbert shouts, “When I say derivative, you say—” (The answer is slope, by the way), or having deep conversations about books and life with Mrs. Harnett, or calling Mrs. Stantesly from a Christmas cookie party to invite her over, the faculty and students at PR have made each year memorable and worthwhile. I plan on collecting the lessons and memories from these years and packing them along with me for the upcoming year’s journey.