I thought I'd take a moment to look back at the past year before moving on to college, which is rapidly approaching as we speak. It's kind of crazy to think about just how fast everything has flown by...
Exactly one year ago, I was taking on the most challenging year of my life. I had signed myself up for 6 AP classes, was playing on the varsity volleyball team every afternoon in the fall, was the Vice President of the National Honor Society, and was the President and Founder of my club for UNICEF. I still wanted to be involved in my volunteer work as a suicide prevention hotline operator, I had arranged to go on a trip to the Galapagos Islands in February, I was working on a mural for the history wing, and I wanted to continue to be available to spend time with friends.
On top of all this, the biggest task I faced was obviously applying to college. I was terrified that I wouldn't end up at a school that I liked, or that my parents liked (they naturally were super interested in my college process as well), and I also worried that I'd get rejected from all of my choices. The typical fears of a college applicant.
Reflecting back on everything one year later, this year was insanely important for shaping who I am as a person. I learned so much from all of my classes and mastered the art of balancing my workload and schedule so that I didn't want to collapse at any second from the stress and pressure.I grew to love (some of) my teachers and form even stronger connections with my friends. And of course, I have so many memories from that year, both good and bad, that I will always carry with me.
I'm so thankful for everyone who gave me tidbits of advice on college applications, or checked in on me while I was pushing through that year. I felt so much more prepared after talking to older friends and adults, and that makes a world of a difference when you are literally freaking out about college or high school or life.
One of the biggest pieces of advice that I'd give to current seniors is this: "Keep things in perspective." There were quite a number of times last year when I thought the world was just going to implode, or that the sky was about to come crashing down on me. I thought I wouldn't be able to live a decent life, that I'd have to give up my hopes and dreams for my future, and start working at a cubicle or at a fast food restaurant for the rest of my days.
The reality of it all is this: You're still going to be just fine. You live in a peaceful area with fresh air, you go to a great high school (despite what you think, you should appreciate what your school offers), and I promise you that everything will be just fine. If you're reading this, you have the luxury and privilege of owning a computer. Most likely, you're able to put clothes on your body every day, you're able to reach into the fridge and grab something to eat without having to worry about buying something else, and you have people in your life who love and support you.
Please just try and keep things in perspective. We're not in a country ravaged by war right now. We don't have a disease spreading throughout our communities. We aren't starving or being ruled over by an evil dictator....because there are people like you and me who are going through all of that. Is it really fair to complain about our petty little issues when others have so much catastrophe in their lives? I know they're first world problems, but we shouldn't magnify them so that they dominate our lives.
Appreciate your life. Appreciate the people in your life. Work hard. Listen to the advice that older friends/family give you. Do your best. It'll be okay.
And enjoy your Thursday! Just 2 more days until I leave! Things are starting to get REAAAL, people.
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