As I approach graduation, moments of my first year at Prep flash before my eyes. I remember walking onto campus at COVID-restricted 25% capacity for the first time with an eagerness to grow up and move on to the excitement of high school. Yet faced with the reality of leaving soon, I find myself wishing to hold onto every moment just a little bit longer.
During our underclassman years, there is sometimes a rush to reach the next milestone. Whether it is turning sixteen to get a driver’s license or reaching senior year to be the oldest in the school, we are always looking ahead. But looking back, I realize how much each moment held its own value, even those I wished away in my hurry to grow up.
One of the biggest takeaways of my time at Prep has been the connections within our community. From football games on Friday nights to discussions with classmates in Collegio, each experience I have had has truly been meaningful. These friendships and moments with my peers have shaped my high school experience. The thought of leaving these behind is scary, but a reminder that while we look forward to the future, we must also cherish where we are.
At first, I thought the idea of trying new things at Prep was intimidating. I found that stepping out of my comfort zone, even if it’s slightly uncomfortable, promotes personal growth. This realization became clear when I joined the lacrosse team in my sophomore year. Despite my initial hesitations, that season turned out to be remarkable with new friendships and challenges that pushed me. Similarly, playing football taught me valuable lessons in resilience and teamwork. Joining things like Business Club and Journalism also proved to be unique experiences that helped me explore my interests.
Time seemed to drag endlessly when I was a freshman, eager to grow up. Now, as a senior, I see how quickly it has passed. High school is a brief but beautiful part of our lives. Embrace it, explore everything it has to offer, and as Coach Maul says—time is real, and it does not slow down, so make every day count.
