Freshman year, I sat at my desk daydreaming in my Algebra 1 Math class about my future reality. I was excited, intrigued and ready to go. The thought of college, new experiences and a change of scenery was something that had me looking at the clock, waiting for time to tick faster. 

By sophomore year, I had everything picked out, what I wanted to do, what school I wanted to attend and who I wanted to be. I wanted to go far enough to experience a change, and decided the career I was set on was my calling. Now, I look back and reminisce on how different I was, how unlike everything I chose then compared to what I chose my senior year. The fear of leaving the only place I’ve known for the past four years is a terrifying thought. Everything was okay, until I became a senior. Things haven’t even felt real until this very moment. But I keep reminding myself, change is an inevitable part of growing, and to begin a new chapter we must end the last one.

One thought and one thought only consumes my mind and it’s, “how am I not coming back next year?”  I’m so used to what my life is now, and what it has been for the past four years. I physically can’t picture myself leaving, not seeing what teachers I get next year, finding out if I have any classes with friends, walking the halls and entering classrooms which I’ve been growing in these past few years.

Although this change is scary, I’d like to thank a few crucial people who have not only been so incredibly kind to me, but have also mentored me or grown with me throughout these years. 

My first acknowledgement goes to my mom, Dawn. My mom has obviously raised me, since I was an infant. She has guided me through every obstacle, commitment and decision I’ve made. Having the most supportive and loving mother has only encouraged me to proceed through life with a kind heart and strong mind. She has been my biggest cheerleader, and the biggest inspiration for keeping my grades high, and my head higher. She has motivated me to do things I never believed I could do, and when stress gets too high—she is the one person I will always go to. 

Not only has she been just my mom, but a mom towards others. Since I was a kid, she has consistently opened her home, to welcome my friends with open arms. She is a shoulder to cry on, someone to lean on, and someone to laugh with. Every room she walks into, people’s faces light up, provoking smiles and laughter. To the strongest woman I know – I could never get through life without you. 

I love you more, mommy….

Obviously, I’d like to thank my dad, Tommy. When I was a baby, my dad would take a million pictures of everything I did. I hold these pictures dear to my heart, because what the camera didn’t capture was my dad smiling behind it. Every day, my dad reminds me just how proud of me he is. My dad taught me to love, to learn, to observe and to listen. I still remember sitting on his shoulders, high and mighty on the boardwalk — to now — where I will be hugging him on this very field, after receiving my high school diploma. He always wanted to make sure I was taught everything he wasn’t, to be a better person, to make a difference. My father attended JCHS, and was in the graduating class of 1985. Knowing that I’m walking the same hallways he once did is such a surreal feeling. My dad has been a huge motivation, proving that changes can be made whenever you put your mind to it. 

Dada – thank you, I love you!

To my best friend, Mackenzi. I cannot believe we are graduating. It all seemed so far away when I walked into our sophomore year geometry class and sat down next to you. That’s where it all started. The laughter you have brought me during these years, could still make me laugh to this day. If I didn’t have you throughout high school, I’d think I’d go insane. You are my person, who has pushed me out of my comfort zone, bringing me immense confidence. When times were hard, you made them easier. When things were painful, you made them comfortable. When I’m happy, you have continuously made me happier. I can’t imagine being so far away from you, yet I am so proud of you, of us, and all of the amazing things we have accomplished, and will accomplish in the near future. Thank you for always showing up, and loving me. I will be visiting you as much as humanly possible.

I love you Kenz!

This is such a bittersweet goodbye, because I never thought leaving high school would be this hard. I was always so excited to become a senior, to be celebrated as I walked through my last year of high school. But now, all I can think about is what I’m leaving behind, and the future I’m walking into. I’m scared, but excited to experience a new beginning. I want to tell any underclassmen, especially freshmen – take things slow. Everything goes so fast. 

James Caldwell High School – thank you for giving me some of the best years of my life. Thank you for giving me the privilege to make memories, to meet new people, and experience new things. I will miss everyone and everything, but I’m not leaving anything or anyone behind. I’m carrying everything and everyone in my heart, forever and always. This one stings, and is the worst growing pain I’ve ever had, but you need to experience growing pains in order to grow.