This fall, I will be starting my senior year at Shippensburg University. These past three years have flown by and I know the next, maybe the most exciting year of my life, will be over in the blink of an eye. Going back a few years, it's hard to think that I was once in high school, living a completely different life. There are thousands of reasons to be excited about the real world, growing up and finding yourself, but there are also many things to miss about Solanco High School. Attending graduations at your alma mater after you've graduated is such a surreal experience that takes you back to a time where you were wearing lanyards around your neck, getting your mom to pack your lunch for you and having "workout Wednesdays." It's always nice to have a little bit of nostalgia!

1. Walking down the hallways, you knew practically everyone.

Solanco, though large in acreage, is small in size. There is a good chance that most of your peers had been by your side since Kindergarten. Going off to college was the first time that you really knew no one and felt like you had to start over again.

2. There were some prime lunch days you still get a craving for.

Popcorn chicken bowl and nachos grande were always my two favorites! Also, throwback to when you could still get Turkey Hill teas and fries. The cafeteria always stuck those delicious s'mores bars and brownies right as you were paying, leading your mom to ask you why your lunch money had disappeared so quickly.

3. Going to football games and 5th quarter.

In this small town, there aren't many options of what you can do on a Friday night if you don't want to travel far. So, getting together with a few friends and cheering on the football team was your idea of a great night. And then after the game, there was always more fun awaiting at a farm at 5th quarter. Food, fires and other festivities kept the night rolling!

4. Taking free electives with your favorite teachers.

My senior year was full of free electives I knew I wasn't really invested in. But the teachers (usually) made it exciting and I never had to worry about a work overload. Special shout out to Mrs. Konan, who I took a nutrition and foreign foods class with.

5. Solanco has a "Bring Your Tractor to School Day."

Only at Solanco will students wake up at 5 a.m. to drive their tractor to school. I remember looking out the windows into the parking lots and seeing tractors on tractors. As odd as it felt, now I know it is part of what makes Solanco special. It even makes the news!

6. Homecomings and prom always were always a big deal.

We took weeks, maybe even months, to prepare for homecoming and prom. But then, in the blink of an eye, it was over. Dancing with friends until your legs were sore was just this magical experience I hope everyone gets to experience!

7. We had less worries, more money and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether it be in those four years of high school or after graduation, the reality of the world sets in and you realize that it is time to grow up. High school may not have been the best years of your life, but it did help create who you are today. So thank you, Solanco!

Through thick and thin, one thing will never change: We will always be Golden Mules!