It’s almost that time of year again when tour groups are appearing on campus. There’s even a chance that a student from one of those tour groups has picked up a copy of The Stute and is reading this article as I write (if you are, then hello!). I’ve been feeling pretty nostalgic recently, so I’d like to take some time to look back on where I was one year ago and see how things have changed. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot.
February in high school was pretty stressful for me. I was waiting to hear back from colleges, studying for my AP classes, and trying to enjoy what little time I had left as a highschooler. I vividly remember thinking to myself that the quote “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times” fit really well for where I was in life. I was stressed and excited and nervous and scared and feeling so many emotions that at some points it could be utterly overwhelming. There were a ton of senior events like prom and club banquets that celebrated our last four years, but honestly, I didn’t feel like I had spent all that long in the school. Although the days had felt excruciatingly long while I sat through physics and calculus, somehow the time had passed in the blink of an eye. Even so, I tried to enjoy those last few months and not rush the process. It definitely helped capture the memories and make me feel like I wasn’t just trying to “get through” my last year like some of my peers were. I’m proud that I can look back on my senior year fondly and remember the good times.
Today, I’m really happy with where I am in life. Stevens is hard work, but I’m so glad I made the decision to come here. I’ve met so many great people and made so many memories that I couldn’t have made anywhere else. Sure, we sometimes complain about the food and the terrible online calculus homework, but I can definitely say I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s rewarding to know that all of the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into my high school education led to something worthwhile. I’m keeping that in mind as I work toward a job in the future — hard work does pay off.
So if you’re a high school student who’s preparing to graduate, my biggest advice to you is to enjoy the little things. I know you have a lot going on right now and you’re probably feeling a lot of conflicting emotions, but there are so many awesome memories you’ll have the opportunity to make over the next few months. Regardless of where you end up, a positive attitude will guarantee that you’ll be happy wherever you go to college. Don’t wish the days away too fast — enjoy what you have left and appreciate the time you can still spend with your friends. Although it may feel like you have all the time in the world to spend together, the days move fast and you’ll each be in a different state before you know it. Take each day in stride and enjoy the moments.
I’ve had a ton of fun last semester, and I can’t wait to see where the next few months take me. Studying engineering can be hard, but I’m grateful for the connections and memories I’ve made. A lot has changed in one year and it’s truly incredible to imagine where we could all be one year from today.
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