Humans don’t truly fear death in and of itself, rather we fear the unknown that comes with death. We know not the time, nor place, nor method of our death nor how we will be remembered long after it, which is a greatly underestimated fear. I know not these things myself, no one does, but I do know that those who come after me will judge me, and they will judge me not by the wealth in my bank account nor by the success I achieved but by the words and actions that will have continued to guide them to being better than I ever could be. I hope that I am remembered for inspiring the next generation, to continue to make life better for those in my community, my country, and my world.

A new school is a new chapter of one’s life. As the High School chapter of my life comes to an end, the College chapter shall begin, and like any change in life I meet it with both great enthusiasm and great caution. I will be in a new place, surrounded by new people who I hope to learn new ideas from, all for the central purpose of learning. I look to going from high school to college the same way as man looks at traveling to space, I see great potential for new experiences, new opportunities, and new advancements, yet I also see new challenges that will have to be faced if I am to be rewarded with those spoils of success.

This past year has proven to be a struggle for many people, myself included. Some have lost their jobs while others have lost their family members in a time where hope seems to be all but dried up. In these times I go to a quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, “what does not kill me makes me stronger,” which I have interpreted to demonstrate the necessity of temporary suffering to achieve permanent gain. One mustn’t be afraid to try something new, stressful, or embarrassing solely because they fear temporary negative feelings, rather they should accept these feelings in exchange for permanent benefits in the form of skills and experience that will greatly aid them as a person in life.