If there’s one thing I learned from high school, it’s that it’s pretty much nothing like “The Breakfast Club” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” However, it is an undeniable truth that both movies are a testament to the rebellious spirit and irrepressible camaraderie of innocent youth. Aside from an occasional senior skip day, (or “family emergency” as I wrote in the student absence form…) I was pretty much at school every day. 

The clock on senior year was ticking rapidly all year. There were a few times when my Latin class finished our work early and got to chill for the last few minutes of class. Periodically throughout the year, we’d have the same conversation about how we’ve spent the last four or even 12 years together, and how we’re most likely never going to talk again after graduation. When we had this conversation for the first time in the fall, the finish line seemed so far away. Now, I feel despondent that this conversation turned into reality, and we actually won’t be coming back next year. This made me realize how important it is to live in the moment and be grateful for the people around you. 

I spent my time at Algonquin getting involved. Though in the moment I may not have enjoyed getting home at 5 p.m. every day, I feel like I can proudly look back on my time at Algonquin like I made an impact on the school community. I quickly learned that the more connections you make with your peers, teachers, advisers and coaches, the better experience you’ll have. You’ll learn they are personable and want what’s best for you. Just don’t skip their class and do the homework they give and you’ll stay on their good side. 

Now that I’m graduating, I might as well get this off my chest and leave everyone with some advice… I spent all of my junior year leaving during the lunch period. I had three student IDs of seniors in my notes app, and I’d use their codes to get back into the school since mine would be disabled during the school day (sorry admin).

Not to be sentimental or anything, but your high school years fly by. Hang out with your friends, get involved and volunteer in the school community, make friends with your teachers, go to bed early on school nights so you can stay up late with your friends on the weekends, get good grades and break the rules a little… just don’t get caught!

** Queue “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds and casually throw a fist in the air **