On the first day of high school, I remember going home, and crying and begging my parents to not send me back. Every day I went to school I thought to myself, “This is going to be the longest four years of my life.” But, the last four years have flown by so fast, and I’m stuck wondering when my awkward 14 year-old self left.
I have made so many memories throughout high school that will stay with me forever. Whether it was crashing karaoke night at a local church and singing with the class of ‘62 all night dressed as Janis Joplin, midnight runs to Taco Bell, or spending Thursdays at JCC. It’s fair to say high school has been a mixture of a lot of things.
I spent a lot of time discovering who I am as a person and finally breaking out of my shell. I’ve met so many wonderful people at this school, whether it was fellow classmates or teachers I’ve had throughout my journey at North Platte High School.
To the teachers who took the time to listen to me, give me advice, and make me feel like my ideas actually mattered, thank you. You have pushed me to realize my actual potential, whether I thought it was irrelevant at the time or not. You made me care about my future and opened my eyes to many different things, culturally and academically.
I wholeheartedly believe it is the little things that have the biggest impact on a person’s life. I am extremely grateful for every teacher I’ve had throughout high school. You have all touched my life in one way or another. You may never get an official thank you, but the impact you’ve had on my life is still there.
To all of the friends I’ve made along the way, thank you. I have met some really sweet people who have influenced my life in positive ways. I’m grateful for every friend that has come and gone, and taught me many lessons on life. It is safe to say I have the best group of friends around. When you find your soul mates, never let go of them. I genuinely love my friends and cannot wait to see what kind of journey lay ahead for us after high school.
Goodbyes have never been easy for me, but I think saying goodbye to my journalism crew is going to be the hardest. They are the funniest and most caring group of people I’ve ever me. I honestly feel very sorry for anyone who missed out on the chance to work with them and to get to know all of them. I’m usually not very sappy, but it’s safe to say all of those guys have a special place in my heart. Their quirkiness and ability to treat anyone like family is amazing.
So, I guess this is goodbye to the kids who always accidentally push me down on their way to class, goodbye to the girls I always compliment in the second floor restroom, goodbye to my favorite lunch lady (you rock, Tamyra Jones!), and most of all, goodbye to my days as a high school student.