I came from a small town with a large population, which meant it was extremely competitive for every single student.
Ever since I was a kid, my dad would tell me he would give me the best opportunity to learn and be successful.
He kept his promise after several years, so I moved here to TC. I don’t remember my first impression about the school other than being nervous, but I know it was challenging and welcoming: studying with motivation, making new friends and joining school activities.
The most difficult time I’ve had during these 17 years was sophomore year.
I needed to maintain my GPA to look better while trying my best to gain extracurricular experiences.
However, the biggest conflict was that I was too intimidated to take the first step into something new. I am glad I took that step for my junior year.
I enjoy being busy because it proves my worth. I tried out for as many extracurriculars that I possibly could but then another problem appeared.
I was unable to fit all of the classes into my schedule, so I had to choose the ones that benefitted me the most.
Throughout my high school life, one of the most important things I learned was to be patient and wait for the right time.
I thought I could handle everything with effort just like a female soldier, but time taught me a life lesson which is to be patient. If you are worried about your college applications, it’s okay because time will tell you the right answer.
Everyone has their comfort zone, and we need the courage to step out of it.
When you are struggling with something, why not just try it with all your passion? Don’t regret it because you only live once.
I realized that chances and opportunities aren’t there for you. You need to ask for it and fight for it.
If you are worried about academics or extracurriculars, don’t be anxious because time will fix it. I used to be extremely introverted and unconfident. I hate presentations and speeches.
I felt awkward when people were staring at me. I would shake and sweat. My advice is to become more confident, it will only benefit you. Don’t hesitate. I have been hesitant to choose the right class, the right major and the right college.
Are these hesitations really necessary? The answer would be no, because when you hesitate you might miss the chance to choose. Majors and colleges are important, but they are not the whole story.
We are still young and we still have the right to change and to learn.
I thought my last year of high school would be dramatic and unforgettable.
I did not expect this global pandemic to happen in the past few months, and since it began I have been imagining how my graduation would’ve turned out, as well as my planned graduation trip with my friends.
Even though it is pretty dramatic, I am writing a senior goodbye at home with my cat.
Sometimes I feel like I am not an expressive person, especially as the school year comes to an end, but I do want to say the past two years in TCHS were memorable.
I miss the feeling of Washington D.C.’s autumn atmosphere, the workshops with my peers from Rampage, the talks at night with my roommates, bonding with each other, all made my high school life unique.
I’m not sure if I will have these warm-hearted and aspirant people like this again for the rest of my life, but the only thing I’ll always remember the experiences that I shared with my friends.
Being able to participate in school activities, having heated discussions with classmates and enjoying after-school time with friends in the media center all make me emotional. This nostalgic feeling grows even stronger when I think back that this is the last time I’ll do these things.
I will continue to dream, to cheer and to be passionate about what I love.