Ashley Wenskoski, Senior
After much delay due to snow days, Wednesday, January 30th finally marked the beginning of the last semester of high school for the Class of 2019. The senior class is currently embarking on their twenty-fourth and final round of classes, extracurriculars, and athletics at Palisades. While some have decided on their post-secondary goals involving collegiate education, entering the workforce, or going into the military, many are still unsure of what life looks like after Friday, June 14th when they will officially graduate. Undoubtedly, this is a time of transition for all seniors as they formulate their plans beyond Palisades High School.
It seems to be a common opinion among this year’s senior class that time has absolutely flown by. I cannot agree more; I’m not even sure how I got here - entering the last semester of my high school career. Many seniors that I have spoken with agree: we feel as if it was just yesterday that we were just sitting in the auditorium at the beginning of summer after eighth grade, preparing to become freshmen. I vividly remember some of the faces from the senior Class of 2015, who spoke about how high school passes in the blink of an eye. The panel was a mixture of athletes and artists, kids who bursted with school pride and some who were indifferent. Nevertheless, they emphasized that it goes by so fast. Yeah right, I remember thinking. Four years seems like a daunting amount of time when you’re entering the doors of the high school, but with one blink, it is truly all gone and you’re walking out. All of the essays, grades, sports games, dances, and memories pass by in a blur and all of a sudden, you find yourself in the last semester of senior year. I didn’t believe those seniors when I was a freshmen, but now, I can truly attest to the fact that high school is gone in an instant.
If I could say one thing to the rest of my class as we approach our last months in purple and gold, I would encourage everyone to really enjoy these last experiences as high school kids. While I am a firm believer that life has a lot to offer beyond high school and that so many new, exciting opportunities await us, I do think it is important to cherish the last moments that we have left in the routine that we have had for twelve short years. Soon enough, we will not be seeing the same best friends everyday and will not have our family around 24/7 to support us. No matter if you are chomping at the bit to leave Palisades and think that you’re beyond ready, I believe that there is a level of nostalgia in leaving this time in your youth. So, my advice would be to soak in every last minute. Go to prom, even if you don’t have a date. Take the time to thank the teacher or administrator that really had an impact on your growth not only as a student but also as an individual. Attend some baseball games and track meets in the spring even if you don’t play, just to cheer on your friends. Take pride in your space in the yearbook, even if you never look at it. Most importantly, walk with your head held high at graduation, even if you’re not sure how you made it to the stage.
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