High school is full of drama; that’s just the simple fact of life. You’ll meet some of the most frustrating people, the kind who test your patience and teach you hard lessons. But you’ll also find some of the best, the ones who make you laugh when you want to cry, and who will stay friends even after the final bell rings. The past four years have been difficult, whether it’s school, losing friends and family, or even just life, it’s all so bittersweet.
I was always so quick to wish time away, I spent so much time looking ahead that I nearly missed what was right in front of me. When I was a freshman, I could not wait for my senior year and all of the perks. The senior bathroom, senior lot, senior bench, and having that sense of authority. Now I find myself here writing this.
I miss my old senior friends, my “big sisters,” and I miss the innocent crushes on all of the cute upperclassmen. Eventually, I realized there were lessons to be learned in the very hallways I once rushed through and classrooms I couldn’t wait to leave, and once I stopped resenting my situation and embraced it, each day became an opportunity to make my life a movie and pick my own characters.
Since a young age, I was taught to make connections with everyone I meet. Talk to strangers – use good judgment, of course – ask questions, be curious, and never miss a chance to make someone feel seen.
I always find a way to make a new connection, whether it’s talking to some random man outside of the Atlanta airport waiting for my shuttle, or meeting my new Irish friend named “Rory” at a bar in Bozeman. I never realized how much of an impact that made on me until now, remembering our conversations and the simplicity of connecting with other human beings.
When I look back on my years, I feel so grateful for the connections I made, even the ones that felt small at the time.
It doesn’t hurt to come early to class to sit and ask your teacher about their day or to walk into Chipotle with a ghillie suit on just to make someone laugh. Every risk you don’t take is a missed opportunity for growth, for connection, for a story worth telling.
I owe it to my dad, “Minnow,” who always said, “Stop watching movies, go out and make your own”. These words have quietly influenced almost all of my decisions in life. I consider myself a rather spontaneous individual. I will never shy away from a challenge, no matter how embarrassing or scary. I’ve learned that some of the best memories come from the moments that weren’t planned.
More than anything, I want to be remembered as the girl who had fun, someone who was there for people, no matter their social status. Someone who was willing to take a bullet for those she loved, someone who made an impact on people’s lives. Be the person who makes people feel like they belong. I think more of us should try to live that way, with a little more courage, a little more kindness, and a lot more heart.
High school isn’t perfect, and life isn’t always easy, but it’s ours to shape. So be bold. Be kind. Take the risk. Make the connection. Laugh loudly. Love deeply. And whatever you do, don’t just sit back and watch life happen. Go out and make your own movie.
