Another stage of my life, another page of my story, has been completed.
In the whirlwind of events, prom, senior field trips, ap exams, grad parties, it's hard to stop and really let this moment set in.
I've spent the last 4 years studying, making new friends, leaving some friends behind, arguing with my parents to let me stay out later, laughing, dancing, being weird, and generally enjoying life.
I like to tell myself, and believe that I have lived high school to it's fullest. I plan to live every second of my life to the fullest.
However, there are way too many times, in retrospect, when i said "I can't wait till" In all reality I could have waited. Now that everything is over, I think to myself, what was i waiting for?
In life, the phrase "I can't wait", the endless count down of important dates, are distracting from the real joy of life. If you spend your life waiting for the next big thing, you miss the opportunity to take in the little things, like the sunrise, or a beautiful breeze, or a family dinner, a smile, a loving hug.
Now that I'm headed off to college, it hits me that this is all I've ever known. And by "this" I mean these people, this life, my parents taking care of me, my siblings being there to cheer me up after a tough day at school. My church, my youth group. St. Alban soccer. All the clubs and activities I'm involved in. Everything is going to change. And as much as it is exciting, it's scary as hell.
The memories I have made, the relationships I've built, the good reputation i have made for myself (hopefully), will not be present in college with me. Sure facebook and my cell phone will keep me in contact with the people I love, but it's not the same. I won't see the same faces in the hallway everyday that I've seen for the last 4 years, i won't be able to quote inside jokes randomly, or say remember in middle school....
I think the biggest challenge for all of us in college will be to keep our friends from high school. keeping relationships takes hard work. But facebook isn't what should keep us together, a quick phone call, even a letter, is much more effective.
High School has been so much fun. I truly loved and enjoyed every second of it. I am sad to see it go, but immensely proud of myself for using the gifts and talents God has given me to excel in school. I am so blessed and so thankful for all the opportunities i have had.
"Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends."
