Upon entering high school, I was a scared freshman entering a school that I could not even navigate. The first week of school I made one of my friends walk me to every one of my classes, and I had no clue what I would become. Now, looking back at that freshman, I can tell how much I’ve grown throughout the years and how much I have accomplished. I would not say my experience at high school was a walk in the park, but it was one full of memories and learning experiences. I’ve come into James Caldwell keeping some of my old friends making many new ones that I’m going to keep for a lifetime. 

Freshman year was a tough but fun time. The first couple of clubs I joined were the school musical, Key Club, and of course, The Caldron. I saw myself grow throughout the experience in all of these clubs, and even though I didn’t stick with all three of them, I stuck with two of them and it shaped my whole high school experience. I also learned a lot about leadership and how to be comfortable in my own skin through these clubs. That led me to start the FBLA club at James Caldwell High School, and that taught me how to be organized and how to handle problems that come my way throughout high school. 

I am not going to lie and say I enjoyed every single class I took throughout high school, but each class taught me how to study, persevere, and make the best out of every moment. I will always remember the countless all nighters, study sessions with friends, and hard work that most of the time paid off. I have taken Latin for all four years of this experience and now I’m heading to Italy for my first semester. Chorus has strengthened my love for singing and music, and the Marketing and Business classes I’ve taken have solidified what I want to do in life. 

My high school experience was also distinguished by an entire academic year inside due to the pandemic. Despite it putting a divide amongst people, I actually made some of my closest friends throughout that year. I learned to appreciate the small moments and the people life throws at us seemingly randomly, because everything and everyone comes into your life for a reason. 

Now, as I look back at my four years of high school, I can smile and remember all the good moments as well as the bad moments and how each has taught me. I am heading to the college of my dreams and going into the major that high school has shaped me for. I will be taking with me lifelong friends and a craving for learning.