I heard it first in sixth grade: Class of 2024. I did not know what it meant. I did not realize it meant that in a short six years, I would be walking across the stage with my diploma. Over the past 13 years, school has been a large portion of my life. Every day after school was spent doing homework, attending extracurriculars, or studying for my next test. I devoted many hours to school, always striving to do better as the years went on.
As I reflect on these past years of my education, especially the last four years of high school, I recognize how much I have grown and changed throughout my life. I remember back in elementary school how I would be scared to speak up in class, yet now I am an officer in four clubs, leading the way for students in the grades below me. I have put my heart and soul into my extracurriculars these four years, spending every free moment working on a social media posts for SADD, secretary notes for FFA, and an article for my school newspaper.
When I think about my upcoming graduation, it is bittersweet. I spent so much time learning about various topics, encouraging others to become involved at school, and enjoying my time in the building surrounded by my peers. I view this moment in my life as the end of one chapter, yet a new chapter is to begin as I embark on my college journey in the fall. There are so many emotions that come with graduation. The first feelings are joy and excitement to experience what comes after this special day, but then the feelings of nervousness and apprehension.
The journey ahead is unknown, and that can be daunting. However, I always try to look on the bright side of things. The work I have done these past four years, dedicating myself to school and extracurriculars, has been well spent. I have learned how to become a better leader and person. I am inspired by many amazing teachers, trying to embody them in whatever I do. These skills will allow me to create my path to success, which seems a little unclear now, but will soon make sense in the coming months.
For those of you continuing your high school journeys next year, I encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity. I do not think I would be in the place I am today if I did not take big leaps to join new clubs and make new friends. High school can sometimes be scary, but what's important is that you put yourself first as you approach the end of your time at school. Take the time to learn who your friends are, what you find interesting, and what you can see yourself pursuing.
Graduating high school is not the end, it is only the beginning. There will be many opportunities, exciting moments, and chances for you to take as you embark on your next journey in life.
To my fellow graduating seniors, congrats, we made it! To the rest of you, keep going. You got this.
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For more info on upping your leadership skills, check out the leadership section at sadd.org/programs, or take our leadership courses in MySADD.
Ready to pack SADD to head to college with you? Check out SADD +.
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