Unfortunately, I only have three days left as a high schooler. Yeah, I know I said it, unfortunately. Never in all my 18 years would I have guessed I would be saying this, but I’m going to miss North Platte. Maybe not its location on the map, nor its diverse selection of banks and run down bars. But, I am going to miss the times that I won’t get back. Probably doing things that I shouldn’t be: seeing the northern lights, listening to ear-throbbing bass in my Ford Exploder, countless games of ping pong, gallons of apple juice and Chicken in a Biskit, and of course, late night trips to Wal-Mart. While growing up from being a kid to paying

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my own bills may seem strange, the hardest thing for me to do is leave. To leave my family, my best friend, and my first love. You know who you are.

As humans, we only get a few breathtaking moments where everything changes in a matter of months, or even days. This is my first taste of really growing up, and honestly I’m scared. What do I have to lose, I guess?

We all know what North Platte’s city limit encompasses: not much. We have to accept it for what it is because it’s not changing. Even though our school might be designed like a prison, it’s not one. We have tons of up-to-date equipment and resources for our benefit. Not to mention, most people never take advantage of them. If you have an idea, go for it! No one is holding you back. Find a way to make it happen. If you want to become a better writer ask your English teacher. If you want to make your own music videos, go to the tech department and ask. Everything you want to know is a question away, just ask.

Without North Platte High, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Because of my family, teachers, adviser, and some due diligence, I have been accepted into the school of my dreams. I plan on attending Milwaukee’s Institute of Art and Design, and I couldn’t be any happier.
All that is left to say is thank you. Thank you Mom and Dad, for putting up with me never being home, even though I tried to be. Thank you Pa for being my rock; you’ve never let me down. Thank you Cam, for being the coolest little brother. You have no idea how many times I’ve heard, “I wish I had a brother like yours.” Thank you Eric, for being the raddest best friend out there. Since day one, brother. Thank you Princess for letting me lean on you when I needed someone the most, I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you Lori, for being like a second mom. No matter what problems I had, you always seemed to have the answer. Thank you Kylee, for being there to piece the puzzle of my family together. I know how hard it was. Last but not least, thank you North Platte, you will always be my poop town. Peace.