As high school is approaching the end, the end of a chapter I had been a part of for four years hit me that soon, I would be walking across the stage in front of my peers, teachers, and family, a moment that felt like an eternity away. But through my years of growing up, I realized school had taught me something beyond just textbooks and tests. It wasn’t just about learning subjects, it was learning who I was  

When I  remember my first  days of my high school, everything felt like a race. Get good grades, join clubs, make friends, and somehow in the middle of it all, become the person I thought I was supposed to be. I didn’t realize it back then, but high school was not just preparing me for college or a career; it was preparing me for life, teaching me what balance was, and knowing what my priorities were.  

As the years passed, I learned that it wasn’t my grades or the number of rewards I got that defined me. It was how I handled the ups and downs. There were days I felt my best. Acing tests and making memories with friends. However, there were also days where everything didn’t go as good, grades slipped, and doubts crept in. But through that is when  I learned the most important lesson of this experience. it’s okay to have highs and lows. Both are necessary in any journey. 

As I reflect on the experience that high school has been, I realize that it wasn’t just about learning chemistry formulas. It was about learning what matters to me. Understanding my priorities, figuring out what kind of person I wanted to become, and realizing that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. It was about making the most out of the process, not just anticipating the end. The friendships I made, the lessons I learned, and even the challenges I faced will always stay with me. And as I step into the next chapter, I know that high school has given me the tools I need to navigate life’s unpredictable ride.