It felt like just yesterday I was walking into Freshman Orientation, and in a mere matter of days I will be walking out for the last time. From all of the piles of homework, late nights of studying, bus rides home after losses and drama of high school, it gave unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime memories I will always be grateful for.
If you think about a perfect high school experience, it would probably be taking the most AP classes you can take, joining every after school club or sports teams and trying to be the most “popular kid” walking the halls. If that fits your perfect high school criteria, then you probably watch too much television. Everyone’s paths are different. It doesn’t matter what classes you take or what activities you’re part of, because at the end of the day, it’s your life to live.
When it comes to when I peaked in high school, I would say that was junior year. One of the greatest sports moments I had was against Shrewsbury in football, and we were down 28-7 in the fourth quarter with just about under ten minutes left. I kicked two onside kicks to help the team get back to even, and then we won it in overtime 36-28. If there is something I learned from that season is to appreciate the little things and don’t wish time away.
There were times when I felt like completely shutting down, especially at the beginning of senior year with all of the college applications, senior traditions, school work and football. I don’t know if I’m crazy for saying this, but I would do it all over again if I could. I’m happy with the way my senior year went, I felt like I did so much and appreciated everything even more. My last football game, the last Winter Ball and the last time seeing all the people I grew up with gave me memories that I will cherish for years to come.
One of my big takeaways from this year is that you can’t put a price tag on memories. Don’t wish time away or you’ll miss everything going on around you. Hanging out with all of my friends at lunch, all the times we tried to sneak in a game of sack before and after classes and trying not to laugh in class while the teacher is teaching, are memories that will stay with me.
Now that the weeks are getting shorter by the time I’m writing this, I can confidently say that I conquered high school and am excited for what the future holds. But, one final shoutout to everyone at Algonquin from my friends, teachers, bus drivers, administrators, coaches, lunch room staff and Mr. Bevan, thank you for an unforgettable four years.
