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As June 13 approaches, we seniors are nearing the end of our high school journey. It’s surreal to think about how far we’ve come, how many twists, turns, and unexpected moments led us to this point. For me, high school was a bit rough around the edges. I didn’t really start to feel the “full experience” until the later years, but maybe that makes me appreciate it even more now.

I actually spent my first year at a different school, a small charter school tucked away in the middle of nowhere in North Carolina. With limited funding, we didn’t have dances, school events, or extracurriculars. It was a K–12 school, so it wasn’t uncommon to see seniors walking the same halls as kindergartners. It was strange, cramped, and definitely not your typical high school setting.

Then, halfway through freshman year, we got the news: high school classes were being cut entirely. Most students left after 8th grade anyway, choosing public schools that offered more clubs, sports, and opportunities. The decision caused a lot of outrage. My parents and others protested, feeling like our futures were being pulled out from under us. Eventually, the school director proposed a compromise: we’d stay enrolled in the building but take our classes entirely online through the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS).

So, every morning, we showed up and spent the day isolated in a room on laptops, finishing assignments on our own. At first, I hated it. After struggling through online learning during the pandemic, I didn’t want to do it again. I begged my parents to transfer me to a traditional public school, but they said the environment wasn’t right and the commute wasn’t realistic.

That whole season of my life was filled with change. I was navigating shifting friendships, focusing on self-care, dealing with family issues, and preparing for a school format I didn’t choose. But as time went on, I adapted. NCVPS was actually more structured than I expected. I learned how to manage my time, often completing work early and enjoying long weekends, something that definitely helped me recharge.

Eventually, I transferred to Princess Anne, and that marked a major turning point in my journey, academically, socially, and personally. It was like stepping into an entirely different world, one that buzzed with energy, diversity, and a genuine sense of community. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could breathe, like I had space to grow and belong. Everything felt new and exciting, and I embraced it all. In just two short years, I experienced so many “firsts”: my first pep rally, where I felt school spirit coursing through a crowd instead of just watching from the sidelines, my first real sense of pride in being part of a school community, and some of the deepest, most unexpected friendships that reminded me of the joy in shared moments.

More than anything, I’m grateful. Grateful for the teachers who didn’t just teach from the front of a classroom, but who challenged me, encouraged me, and sparked curiosity in ways they probably don’t even realize. They saw potential in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself, and for that, I’ll always be thankful. Grateful for the classmates who laughed with me, supported me, and helped turn ordinary days into some of my favorite memories. And grateful that, even after a rocky and uncertain beginning, I still found a version of the high school experience that felt real, vibrant, and deeply meaningful.

High school didn’t unfold the way I imagined it would. There were detours I never saw coming, moments that tested me, and paths I had to carve out on my own. But I wouldn’t change any of it. Every challenge shaped who I am. Every twist taught me resilience, empathy, and a greater understanding of myself and others. Now, as I stand at the edge of this chapter and look ahead, I’m not just carrying memories, I’m carrying perspective, strength, and a growing sense of purpose. I don’t know exactly what comes next, but I know I’m ready for it.

It’s funny, I was recently looking back at some old photos, and I came across a photo of my kindergarten graduation. We wore tiny caps and gowns and held copies of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. At the time, the moment felt playful and symbolic, something more for the parents than for us. But now, those words hold real meaning. Dr. Seuss wrote, “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way!”

As I stand here today, those words resonate more than ever. The road ahead is uncertain, full of both excitement and unknowns, but I’m stepping into it with confidence. My time at Princess Anne, and everything that led me here, has prepared me for this moment.

Now, I feel ready to take on the adventures that lie ahead, the challenges that will shape me, and the endless possibilities waiting just beyond the horizon. The places we’ll go are limited only by our courage, our imagination, and our willingness to begin.

As this chapter of my life comes to a close, I carry with me more than just memories, I carry growth, strength, and the quiet confidence that comes from overcoming what once felt impossible. High school wasn’t a straight line, and it wasn’t always easy, but it was mine. Every twist in the road taught me something valuable, every detour led me somewhere I needed to be.

Now, as I look ahead, I do so with hope, not just for what’s to come, but for who I’ve become along the way. I’m ready for whatever comes next, not because I have all the answers, but because I’ve learned how to face the unknown with resilience and heart.

To everyone who was part of this journey, thank you for everything.