I know it’s one of the oldest clichés in the book, but high school genuinely goes by in the blink of an eye. I remember being a freshman, and how I used to look up to the senior class, thinking in my mind that they had it all figured out in life. For some strange reason, I envisioned every single senior working a full time job, owning a car (or two), and taking care of their family, all while balancing the stress and workload of school. I thought that these four years would be the longest of my life, and that the experiences I had would shape me into somebody who was ready to take on the outside world. The seniors seemed like adults, and I wanted to be exactly like them when I finally reached my last year of high school.

Fast forward four years, and not a whole lot about me has changed. Sure, I might have grown a few inches taller, and I definitely have matured quite a bit since I was 14, but I don’t feel as “grown up” as I thought I would. Four years ago, I imagined that being a senior felt like reaching the pinnacle of the academic ladder. Now, I’m three months out from beginning a brand new journey, at a brand new school, starting from the bottom again as a freshman. Only recently did I realize how short lived my time at Westborough High really was.

When schools closed down last March due to the Coronavirus pandemic, a realization dawned on me. The next time I stepped foot in the building, I would be a senior. Suddenly, the seemingly far away date of 2021 didn’t seem so far anymore. I wondered If I would feel any different when I finally returned to the school as a senior. And as I write this, with only a week before graduation, I still don’t feel any different. In many ways, I still feel like the same kid I was back in 2017. I’m sure there are underclassmen who feel the same way I did- and maybe there are some underclassmen who look up to me. But once senior year rolls around for them, they too will understand that they were looking up to kids exactly like themselves.

In these four short years, I have made some incredible memories that I will cherish forever. I was able to meet amazing people, and make strong connections with many peers and teachers. I want to personally thank every teacher, classmate, and coach who has influenced me to become the person I am today in some shape or form. I have had my ups and downs throughout high school, but every bump in the road was a necessary part of the journey to get to where I stand now.

I also want to thank Mrs. Stoker for being an incredible teacher and one of the kindest people I have ever met. When I first had an English class with Mrs. Stoker as a sophomore, I had no idea that her classroom would become my home for the next three years. Throughout these three years, I have also become close with an amazing group of students who I am honored to call my friends (Shoutout J2). But above everything else, Mrs. Stoker’s classroom is a place where students can truly be themselves and feel like they belong. The future of journalism at Westborough High is looking extremely bright.

I know my real journey into the world is just beginning, and I have so much more to learn after I leave Westborough in only a few short months. Through all of the hardships we faced, I genuinely believe that the Class of 2021 made the absolute best out of a bad situation. We were able to persevere through some of the toughest unimaginable challenges, and still keep our heads held high. I know every student in the Class of 2021 has a bright future ahead of them, and I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things they do. Thank you, Westborough High School, for four years of lifelong memories. I am excited to see what the future holds for me.