Reflecting on your four years of high school has been challenging, to say the least. As someone who goes with the flow, I don’t necessarily look at the past. I try my best to embrace what’s in front and not take any moment for granted. However, this assignment has given me the ability to reflect on such a substantial part of my life. WHS has shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful.

It only feels right for me to mention first what baseball and basketball have done for me in my time at Westborough. The name “Nick Bellofatto” and “sports” go hand-in-hand; it almost feels like I made it my personality when I was younger. I have now learned that there is more to life than just a game; sports have allowed me to grow and make lasting memories and friendships for a lifetime.

When they say hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports, they are not lying. It is genuinely the most frustrating thing on planet Earth. However, this task (that I, for some reason, signed up to do every year) of hitting a round ball with a round bat has allowed me to grow mentally stronger. In a sport where you are considered ELITE if you get a hit three times out of ten, it taught me how to stay disciplined and respond well to failure, something I think we all struggle with. I am grateful for all the bonds I grew on the WHS diamond. From the Chick-fil-A win celebrations to bumping country in the back of the bus (never again), I could not be more appreciative of the opportunities baseball has given me.

The Fisher Gym at WHS has been a staple since I was 10 years old. Growing up, my dad and I watched as many games as possible up in the right corner of the bleachers. Watching these players perform at such a high level made them my idols. I dreamed of being a part of Coach Willar’s program, and I knew I would do whatever it took to get there. Now that it is all said and done, I can say playing for Rangers basketball has been a dream come true. I have many memories of playing in the gym, but what I wish from this season is that I made a bigger impact than just basketball. In the same way I idolized the players when I was a kid, I hope I was a role model to them.

It was recommended that I take Journalism sophomore year, and since then, I have never looked back. Journalism allowed me to write about what I wanted, which developed a love for writing I never knew I had. Shoutout to the Full Court Press, specifically AJ, Simon, Max, and Alec. When I tell you there was not a single glimpse without pure joy and laughter from the five of us, that’s the truth. Thanks to Ms. Conrad and Mrs. Henderson for being able to deal with all of our shenanigans; it was definitely not easy. I cannot forget Ms. Stoker, who always supported me and made me a better writer today.

A couple more thank you’s to my family. To say it’s been a roller coaster would be an understatement, but we’re somehow all intact, and I’m forever grateful for your support and love throughout this journey. Shoutout to the fellas, Andy, Simon, and AJ again, as well as Marco, Heem, and Mikey. Without you guys, high school would not have been as enjoyable as it was, and I thank you. Lastly, thank you, WHS for providing me with the great high school experience I had. I plan on going to Siena College next year and am excited for what’s next. WHS, it’s been real.