I have been staring blankly at my laptop for an hour and Johnson just texted me saying he is at 550 words so I guess I should stop crying and finally start writing my last article before my transformation into the ranks of Bobbins Moose. But how do you jam four life-changing years into one article?
These past years have undeniably been the hardest, most stressful, but also the best years I have ever had.
It was only through my mistakes and tribulations that I learned to grow, both emotionally and as a person. I am extremely thankful for everyone who has stood by my side, regardless of whether they are still present in my life, for guiding me to become the person I am today.
Contrary to my initial nerdy perspectives on high school, the things about these four years that stay with me the most are the little pockets of happiness I found within the brick walls of our school. I will never forget the sound of jazz shoes on the 601 floor, the smell of Quickly’s at Rampage late nights, the joy of opening Secret Santa gifts with my friends in the quad and the inspiring teachers who pushed me to do my best. It was moments like these that reminded me high school wasn’t about cramming for the SAT or stressing over another failed math test.
The single most valuable lesson I learned in these past four years was to simply let go. No matter how hard you wish at 11:11, some things are just out of your control.
Stop worrying about what other people are thinking, forgive yourself for your mistakes, stop trying to run away from your problems and learn to pick yourself up and keep walking. Surround yourself with people who care about you and forgive and let go of those who leave. But believe me when I say I know this is easier said than done. In the end, these things that you worried so much about won’t matter, so the best thing you can do for yourself is just to let go.
In a few months, my class will be scattered across the world. Some of you I may never even see again. When I come back, I know this place won’t be the same. My best friends will be long gone and the hallways will be filled with unidentifiable and strange faces. None of us will be the same person we left as.
But the lessons I have learned here and the faces I have met will stay with me as I embark on my next journey at Cornell. Temple City will always have a special place in my heart.
No matter where we end up and whether or not we cross paths again, I wish you all the best of luck.
TCHS School Newspaper