The graduation music plays, the bright spotlight shines, and all of the memories I have made over the past four years plays back in mind. I could’ve sworn just yesterday I was a scared freshman who felt out of place. I could’ve sworn just yesterday I thought high school would be the four worst years of my life. Although high school came with several mental breakdowns, some heartbreak, lots of stress and disappointment, it truly was a crazy ride that I will never forget, a crazy ride that I’m forever grateful for.
One of the factors that significantly shaped my high school experience was the teachers that I’ve had. The teachers were the ones who made the experience. In my freshman year of high school, the teachers were the only reason why I came to school. I was fortunate enough to develop a bond with wonderful individuals I had the honor of learning wisdom from. Teachers truly impact students’ lives in several ways. Students don’t only learn the quadratic formula from Math teachers or the Gettysburg Address from History teachers, we accumulate experience and wisdom through them. We develop relationships with them and they become a big part of our lives. When teachers treat their students as more than just an osis number, the student becomes engaged in their class, not only to acquire knowledge about the subject being taught, but the student becomes engaged to acquire insights about life. A great relationship with a teacher can motivate a student to come to school and succeed. On that note, I’m extremely grateful for some of the wonderful teachers I’ve had over the past four years. I have learned more than just literature from AP Literature teacher and I have learned more than just Spanish from my AP Spanish teacher. I have gained confidence in myself and my writing thank you to them. To the teachers who truly care about their students, thank you for caring, it truly means a lot to us.
Another one of the factors that has significantly shaped my high school experience was how much effort I put into my work and how I represented myself in class. Working hard in high school is extremely important. High school is not a place to mess around, it’s a place to find yourself, a place to set yourself on the right path. Not only do you physically grow over the years in high school, but so does your mindset. It’s crucial to make sure your mindset is leading you towards a bright future. Everyone is capable of doing amazing things, no matter how big or how small they might be.
The memories I have made with my peers and the different walks of life I have come across have been a great part of my high school experience. I have been introduced to some of the brightest, kindest, and loveliest human beings thank you to high school, those who I will cherish forever. High school has also introduced me to extremely hostile and cold people, but I’m grateful for them too because they have taught me that those are people I don’t want to have in my life.
To all of the incoming seniors, cherish each day of high school you have left. Work hard, and never give up. Don’t let “senioritis” get to you, keep striving hard. Study hard. Prepare yourself for the SATs. Take AP classes. Don’t hold any grudges. Keep an open mind. Be kind to your classmates. Treat your teachers with respect. Help one another. Be yourself. Try different hobbies. Go to school as much as you can and make the best out of your last year in high school. Your last year in high school is only the beginning to a long road ahead of truly finding yourself and chasing your dreams. Best of luck to you.
