I still remember moving to Arcadia High School (AHS) in the middle of second semester freshman year. I remember sitting at the back table in Biology, being the only freshman in my AP Human Geography class, and being terrified from having to stand up to introduce myself in my classes. And now, somehow, I’m here at the end.

To me, high school has never just been about tests and grades; it was about overcoming my shyness, especially since it was right after the COVID-19 lockdown, finding people who brighten my day, making mistakes, and learning from them. High school is made of the small awkward moments—like when something possessed me to call a guy pretty—and the bigger moments—like going to the Homecoming dance or, soon, prom with my friends. 

To my friends: Thank you for the inside jokes, the funny group chats, the gaming session during test season, the webtoon recommendations, the late-night talks, the shows we’d watch during free time in class, and the rides (I promise I’ll get my license soon).

To my teachers: Thank you for your constant support and guidance. Thank you for reminding me that school isn’t just about grades. I am forever grateful for your patience and encouragement.

To my family: Thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made to get me where I am today. I know I stressed you out during college application season, and I wasn’t the easiest person to be around then—thank you for your patience. Thank you for allowing me to make my own decisions and giving me the freedom and space to explore my interests.

To the younger me: Your senior self is happy. She made it through college applications despite how convoluted it was. More importantly, she has made lots of new friends and memories she never thought was possible as a transfer student in freshman year where everyone seemed to have already made their friend groups. She has gotten C’s, dropped out of an honors class, joined some clubs and left, and still survived. She also worked hard in her classes, found a job and internships, gained leadership positions, joined friend’s clubs and stuck with them. 

In just a few months, hopefully, I’ll be in a college about two hours away from home. I’ll be living in a dorm and making new friends all over again. It’s nerve-wracking and challenging, but I won’t shy away from it. After all, my four years in AHS taught me the joy of growing up.