This past week, my high school held their Homecoming activities, and with it saw the return of many of my friends to the school we called home for the past four years. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it back for Homecoming due to commitments at my new school. However, in the spirit of the event, it got me thinking of the people I would have wanted to say something to should I have made it back home for the weekend.

First, to the new seniors. I hope you all are enjoying your senior year. We told you that it’s the best year of your high school career. With that said, keep enjoying it, but remember to keep focused on your studies. Keep focused on your college applications, and take care of business first before you worry about doing anything crazy. From what I’ve heard, there have been some great things done this year under your leadership, and it’s only a few months into the year. On that, I say congratulations, and keep it up. Even though this year is filled with many of your lasts, be sure to make it filled with your best. Make your last season the best season you’ve had, make the last MiniThon while you’re a student here, your best MiniThon. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and do something different. I promise you won’t regret it.

Next, to the friends I left behind. I hope you all are having a fantastic year. While we may now be further apart, you have not been replaced. You are still important to me no matter what happens in life. I will forever remember the great times we had, and look forward to creating new memories when we see each other again.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a thank you letter to my old school without thanking my old teachers. Whether you were the highlight of my day when I had you in class, or you made me want to pull my hair out, you have prepared me for college more than you know. The idea that we would be miles ahead of our classmates when it came to college writing, was actually true. So for that, I say thank you. And to those teachers I may not have liked, you taught me that it never can be worse than the hell I had to deal with in your class. You make my 9am that meets only on Mondays look like heaven on earth.

And last, but most certainly not least, a huge thank you to the people that helped me get to where I am now. I couldn’t be where I am right now without the help of you. Whether it be my classmates, parents of my friends, teachers who went above and beyond, and my own family, you all have made me into the person I am today. All of you have played a part in making me into the person I am today through experiences at my old school. You all have been a fantastic inspiration to me in my journey from high school freshman in a small private school in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania to college freshman in the heart of Pittsburgh. And for that, I will be forever grateful. I look forward to seeing everyone again. Soon.

Sincerely,

Jordan Lesher