Here's to the kids who cannot wait to end one chapter of their lives to begin a new one full of so many exciting adventures and memories yet to be made. To the kids who could care less about grades and spend their time counting down the seconds until the final bell breaks the silence of a room full of anxious students. And lastly, to the kids like me, terrified of leaving all they've ever known behind, and of what the future has in store post-graduation.

There was a time where I was just like the second batch of kids; the ones that wanted nothing more than for their school careers to be over and done with. It wasn't until the first day of my senior year that I began appreciating some of those in which I was fortunate enough to share the hallways with. I valued the lessons I was taught, the amazing teacher and guidance counselor I was blessed to have even met, and actually strove to leave my mark on the school I spent the last three years loathing.

The problem is, I'm not quite ready to let go of what I have. These last few weeks have been spent reflecting on my final year here, and some of my most fondest memories are of events that occurred rather recently. Of course, they are things I will cherish forever, but it's hard to picture myself walking anywhere other than halls of the building I've only just grown to adore.

With the time to think, I also have realized that I shouldn't be scared of what comes next. There's a world full of endless opportunities that are waiting to be taken advantage of. While I will miss the people I've found myself loving with everything I have, I must begin to let go. If I continue to hold on, I'll never be able to fully grasp what's waiting for me down the line.

If there's one thing I wish I could do, though, it's go back in time and convince myself that there is a light at the end of what feels like the darkest, seemingly never-ending tunnel, and that I will eventually find a reason to wake up smiling every morning, rather than wishing for the day that has yet to begin, to end. There was nothing I dreaded more than hearing my iPhone's alarm blaring in my ear at exactly five o'clock every morning, but I'm thankful that I never stopped waking up to hear it.

Over time, I have learned that not all heroes are the ones you see plastered across tabloids, and gracing your television screens. They can come from practically anywhere, but usually the places you would least expect them to appear. Who could have guessed that two of my most influential role models would come from the place I once considered to be Hell?

With only ten school days left, I will be ending my high school journey with a newfound respect for the education I was lucky enough to have received. I will move forward with the hopes to maintain relationships with the ones I've learned the most from, and with my fingers crossed, continue to learn from in the future. I will keep my head up high, and take all that life has to offer with an open mind and confident attitude.

Perhaps high school wasn't so bad after all.