If you read this, no you didn’t—quite frankly, I’m not the sappy, sentimental type, but now that graduation is hurtling closer, I will admit that I’m going to miss high school and all of its highs and lows. I know… I’ve probably said a million times that I can’t wait until the last day of school, and yes, I am counting down the days, but lately, my countdown seems to be more of nostalgia than excitement.

I remember freshman kick-off day as clear as yesterday: I was uncomfortably standing amongst a group of strangers, waiting to get my photo taken. To be honest, I was dreading the start of high school—acclimating to a new environment and feeling the pressures of academics—but little did I know that high school would end up being so much more than those feelings of anxiety. Before I knew it, I had rekindled old friendships, ventured outside of my comfort zone with extracurriculars and leadership positions and explored my passions. High school (all 2.5 legitimate years of it) truly passed by in a blink of an eye.

In retrospect, I wish I had done even more with my 2.5 years. I never knew that there would be no “later” to go to games and dances or hang out with friends. So, in the spirit of making up for lost time, I plan on celebrating the milestone of graduation to the fullest extent. 

After a very isolated year and a half, one of the first things I’ll be doing is spending time with friends and family (we’re all fully vaccinated). Yes, that sounds cliché, but nothing’s more exuberating than beach days, mini road trips and nights out feasting with loved ones, especially without the worry of exams and applications.  

Another simple way of celebrating myself: nourishing my body with tasty, nutritious snacks and maintaining my health through exercise that I enjoy. After all, taking care of me is the kindest thing I can do for myself. 

Finally, I will celebrate my academic achievements by continuing to foster my love of learning. Whether that means striving for fluency in a foreign language, picking up a new hobby or familiarizing myself with concepts that I have always found confusing like stocks and NFTs, I will continue to intellectually challenge myself in hopes of growing into a well-versed person that will find herself in more and more celebratory situations.