In the past, around this time of the year, I have always been excited and anxious to get out of school and to start my summer break, eager to finish another grade and come one step closer to graduation. Now that May 26th approaches, however, I cannot believe that the past four years have gone by so quickly. Every 2:50 p.m. bell now means one less day of high school, and I am finally realizing that the upcoming summer will be a bittersweet period of goodbyes and unforgettable experiences. While I am extremely excited to start shopping for dorm decorations and a new laptop and to start meeting people from all over the world, I recognize that I am going to miss some aspects of high school.
It feels like just yesterday that I walked through the doors, ready to begin my senior year; now, here I am about to graduate, trying to hold on to as many memories and experiences from senior year as I can before they all disappear. Next year, I will miss talking to friends before the bell rings in the morning. I will miss the convenience of having all my classes in one compact building. I’ll miss being able to eyeball the measurements in labs. I’ll miss the extra credit. I’ll miss Math Team and Newspaper. I’ll miss rushing home after school to my dance classes. I’ll miss the school dances and movie nights with friends. I’ll miss being an assistant teacher in the beginner dance classes at my studio. I’m really going to miss my parents and my sisters and my mom’s home-made Polish food. While I will miss all these things and more next year at Dartmouth, I cannot wait to become a freshman once again and to begin a new chapter of my life.
After four years in high school, I have learned that life is always going to be full of ups and downs, good times and bad times. Although people tend to erase the not-so-fun moments of life and remember only the exciting events, I advise you to keep it all. All those memories, happy or sad, make up who you are and what you have been through. Slow down for a bit and enjoy your life as it is. Cherish the people around you; remember the little things that made you happy; take advantage of opportunities that come your way; don’t stop loving life.
My time at the high school has been a great learning experience; it has helped me to grow as a student, a friend, and a person. As I leave Cary this fall and move to Hanover, New Hampshire, I am taking with me lots of memories. I want to remember who I knew, what classes I took, and what teachers influenced me. I want to maintain the friendships created during high school and treasure the experiences that have made me who I am today.
Yes, it is going to be an emotional summer, full of tearful goodbyes, graduation parties, and cheesy group photos, but I will try to enjoy every minute of it. I am finally going off to college, as prepared as I can be, with all of the experiences and life lessons that high school has given me. I cannot wait for the opportunities that college will offer me. Thank you Prairie Ridge for an amazing four years!
