Reflecting on the passage of time, I find myself pondering when exactly adulthood crept in. It feels as though it were just yesterday, back on March 13, 2020, when I was an eighth-grader receiving news of an extended school break due to unforeseen circumstances. Fast forward to the present, and the class of 2024 has weathered the turbulence of fluctuating mask mandates throughout their initial high school years. The discomfort of masks not only physically but emotionally shielded us from one another, hindering genuine connections. Nonetheless, the collective relief upon shedding those masks was palpable as we embraced the high school experience.
My freshman year passed in a blur amidst hybrid learning, yet it was during this time that I forged friendships I hold dear to this day. Summer nights were spent cycling around with these companions, seeking out random things that would bring us joy. Sophomore year commenced with personal trials, particularly the loss of my beloved horse to injury. Despite this, I found solace in deepening existing friendships and cultivating new ones. College aspirations began to form, with The Ohio State University emerging as my desired destination, motivating me to maintain academic excellence. Lacrosse occupied my spring until I traded the field for my first job at the concession stands. Come junior year, I found myself in a more rewarding work environment, bidding farewell to acne-inducing concessions.
Autumn ushered in the joys of “Friday night lights” and spirited football Saturdays, punctuated by cheerleading, which has always been my passion. However, the onset of colder weather heralded the dreaded ACT season and a period of intense academic stress.
Navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of high school, the summer preceding senior year arrived. I’m not going to romanticize this one. I worked a lot, yet I still somehow adventured out on random weeknights to places in Columbus I had never been, even if that meant going after my job ended at 9:30 p.m.. With all this friend time, I discovered a lot of things about myself, as well as other people. Friends come and go, just like waves on a beach. Every wave is different; some leave a bigger imprint on the sand than others.
Some of the best memories were made my fall of senior year with all the spirited sideline performances. This fell into the arduous college application process, which is significantly more challenging than the ACT (brace yourself juniors). Despite apprehensions about my academic standing, I remained resolute in pursuing my desired chemistry (pre-med) major at The Ohio State University. My mother asked me if I wanted to apply for another major so I could potentially increase my chances of getting in. I remained firm in my desired path and boldly told her no. I can see why she occasionally refers to me as stubborn. December brought relief and elation as I secured admission into The Ohio State University’s chemistry program, along with acceptance into their university’s honors program.
Spring saw a departure from tradition as I joined the track team, discovering hidden talents and forging friendships with amazing people. But as I inch closer to graduation, I realize that high school, with its tumultuous journey, is a crucible of self-discovery. Amidst the inevitable changes, it’s crucial to surround oneself with supportive individuals who uplift rather than diminish. And, above all, never let anyone take your spark away.
