Before stepping foot on Seattle Prep’s campus for the very first time as a freshman, I was filled with a mix of emotions. Excited, nervous, curious, and overwhelmed. Coming from a small school, I was worried about being surrounded by so many new people, but I was ready to start a new chapter. I would never have thought that this new chapter would bring me the opportunities, experiences, and relationships that it did.
High school to me had always seemed like just another four years of school. Another four years of hard classes, preparing for college, and stress. Although those were part of the high school process, there was so much more it had to offer, and the hard and stressful parts were all worth it in the end.
As I settled into freshman year, I began to realize that high school was not just about academics or being perfect in all my classes, but about growth. High school was a new environment where I could push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things. At the end of my freshman year, I joined the soccer program, journalism, and other various clubs which had helped me to discover new interests and gain confidence in myself.
Some of my favorite memories throughout high school were made through the activities that I participated in. A few stand-out memories on the soccer team were having two undefeated seasons in a row and being able to play at Stadium high school where the movie “Ten Things I hate About You” was filmed. Beyond the wins and the places we played, what meant the most was the friendships I made along the way that made my experience even more meaningful.
I had always enjoyed writing, and going into my freshman year I wanted to be involved in something that would help me to strengthen my writing skills, so I decided to join journalism. With the help of Mr. Richardson and Mrs. Vincenzo, I found a new love for writing. Journalism challenged me to think creatively, develop my own ideas, and approach stories from new perspectives. It also gave me the opportunity to interview so many different people and learn so much more about Prep and the community as a whole.
As the years went on, I continued to build on these experiences and form relationships that became a huge part of my high school journey. I began to find friends that became my support system. High school can be a time of highs and lows. One of the most important things that I have learned in high school is that you don’t have to go through anything alone. Having people, you can trust and lean on makes the hardest moments feel manageable.
I cannot thank my friends, family, and the teachers here at Prep for the constant support they have given me. They have pushed me to challenge myself and have celebrated every success alongside me. Because of them, I’ve not only made it through high school, but I’ve truly grown into a more confident and resilient version of myself.
The growth I have experienced in the past four years has been something that I never expected when I first walked onto campus. It gave me an environment where I had to be comfortable not succeeding all the time. With every bad score on a test, or loss on the soccer field, it was a new learning opportunity for me to improve. I began to accept the idea that it is okay not to be perfect.
High school was never just “another four years”. It was a time of growth, connection, and self-discovery that shaped who I am. As I look forward to the future, I feel both grateful and excited for what it has to offer, knowing that I am leaving with a stronger sense of self and appreciation for the journey that got me to where I am.
