High school is wild—from classes, homework and tests to social outings and getting home before curfew. Plus dating, breakups, drama and sports games, there’s so much going on it’s hard to keep track of what’s happening. High school is over, and looking back there are lots of things I regret. But there are also many things I did do that helped shape me into the person I am today, things I’ll never regret. 

Something I really regret is not going out whenever I could. Some nights I’d be too tired or too lazy to go out or ask people to hang out, and I missed out on so much. The memories you make now, you’ll never forget. The TikToks and Reels we watch on our phones we can get anytime, but the memories last a lifetime. 

We all don’t like being in school, sure, but we have to go. So why not make the most of it? My second regret is not living in the moment during school. There were many teachers I learned so much from but never truly talked to. I wish I’d taken the time to stop and chat and made an effort to connect with them as people. During lunch, my friends always complained about school instead of enjoying the time we had. It’s all going to end, and it’s going to end fast. If you think it’s miserable here, change that. Have fun in class, make a new club, speak your mind. Go for it. We have to be here, so make it fun. 

Now, as a graduating senior, I’m happy to say there is one thing I did during high school I will never regret. In junior year, I quit basketball to prepare for football and decided to give baseball one last try. After the three days of tryouts, I was cut, so I switched to track. I now throw shot put at a state-competition level and discus among the best on my team. Sometimes, what seems like a loss can be a gain.

I never thought I’d be a track athlete or a four-year varsity football player. But one thing I did expect was that high school would be wild. Through ups and downs, it was four unforgettable years. My advice to everyone is to enjoy the moment. Before you know it, it’ll be over. Enjoy even the days you think stink in high school, because those moments are the ones you’ll miss the most.