Today, as I write my senior article, I sit here reflecting on all the memories I made throughout my high school. Although I only went to Arcadia High School (AHS) for two years, it has provided me with a perfect high school experience full of good memories, challenges and personal growth. The journey from a nervous student on the first day of high school, to an emotional senior at the bittersweet farewells has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions.

AHS gave me the opportunity to explore diverse subjects from ceramics to statistics and everything in between. Every class was a new and better experience. Every class was a chance to learn something new. Every class was an occasion to make new friends. There were moments of frustration and moments of gratification, but through all of these I learned the value of hard work. 

I moved into the U.S. two years ago, and AHS had such a welcoming and positive environment. All my peers and teachers were really supportive and understanding. It felt just like home, although it was so far away from home. It was not easy to adjust to such a huge cultural change, but being at school made me forget the struggles. It inspired me to trust the learning process and to keep believing in myself regardless of the circumstances. 

Apart from the diverse academic classes that AHS has, it is also very well known for its extracurricular opportunities. I joined so many clubs and other organizations that gave me the chance to serve my community. It has led me to form lasting friendships with like-minded people. I found a sense of belonging and hospitality by being a part of these organizations. 

It goes without saying that high school was filled with challenges. It was not easy balancing academics with extracurricular activities while dealing with a total geographic change. There were so many moments of stress and uncertainty, so many breakdowns, and so many sleepless nights, but all these challenges taught me resilience and adaptability. I know that these experiences will guide me towards a bright future filled with innumerable possibilities. 

Overall, high school has been a wonderfully transformative journey that has given me more than just knowledge. It has imparted wisdom that is beyond books. I emerged from high school with a sense of readiness to embrace the future with its challenges. I am filled with excitement for the adventures that lie ahead of me.