Like many others, lots of my high school years were spent counting down the days until I was done. I couldn’t wait until the day I would finally step through the WHS doors for good, done with all of the waking up early, stressful assignments, and day-to-day worries of a high schooler. However, in the last few weeks of school, I’ve realized that I may not be as ready to leave as I thought. 

It is almost unbelievable to think that these are the final days I will be going to school with my four best friends. I truly believe that I have the best group of friends I could ask for and I consider myself very lucky for this. This was one of the most important lessons that I learned over the last four years, to surround yourself with people who value and appreciate you. Sadie, Caitlyn, Fiona, and Kate, thank you for doing just that. I am forever grateful for the memories I was able to make while in Westborough, alongside the absolute best. 

Another lesson I learned through my time here was to build relationships with your teachers. As a freshman, I remember feeling so overwhelmed and scared to talk to my teachers and counselors. This got much easier over time after I realized all they wanted to do was help. Next year at a school with almost 40,000 students, I recognize that it won’t be easy to receive the same support that the WHS staff provides, so I recommend that everyone take advantage of this while they can. 

Participating in activities outside of school also improved my years at WHS greatly. Stepping out of my comfort zone and joining field hockey was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Finding other things I liked, such as gymnastics, Best Buddies, different clubs, and attending school events gave me something to look forward to each day and helped me connect with so many who I might not have known otherwise. You change a lot from freshman to senior year, so I would encourage everyone to try something new and get involved in as much as you can.

When reflecting on my high school experience, the most important thing that comes to mind is taking journalism. I’ve never been in a class quite like this one. Mrs. Stoker helped me recognize my passion for journalism and specifically social media. She is one of the few teachers I’ve had who truly cares about each and every one of her students. When Ms. Stoker pursued a new opportunity this year, there was lots of uncertainty about what the journalism classroom would look like in the future. I think it is safe to say it was left in great hands with Ms. Conrad. Our class was lucky to have gotten a teacher like you, thank you for supporting all of our crazy ideas throughout the year.  Additionally, thank you to Mrs. Henderson and Westborough TV, the Lobby O would not be what it is today without you. Finally, to the Lobby Observer staff, I am forever grateful to have gotten to work with each of you. Of all the classes I took in high school, I will miss this one the most.

Finally thank you to my family for guiding me through the last 18 years. Joe, I am extremely lucky to have grown up with you by my side. Mom and Dad, I would not be the person I am today without you two, and I hope that in the future I can continue to be a reflection of both of you.

High school absolutely has its ups and downs. I’ve definitely had bad days myself, dealing with rumors, gossip, and stress. However, at the end of my senior year, I hope to put it all behind me and enjoy my last few months in Westborough. I feel so much gratitude for the lessons I learned over the last four years that I certainly will be taking with me in the next chapters of my life. Just like everyone tells you, it goes by in the blink of an eye. If I could give any advice to someone starting high school, I would tell them to savor every moment, even the bad parts. With all the time I spent waiting for school to end, now that the end is in reach I find myself wishing that I could hold onto these moments just a bit longer.