As you venture into your last month of the place we've all called home, take some words of wisdom and things I wish someone would've told me.
High school is different for everyone, some people had the times of their lives and others had a countdown until graduation. This is not an article talking all about the sugar coated, glitter filled high school experience, it's about real experiences you are going to encounter. These are a few things I wish someone would have told me to take advantage of during my last month of high school.
Your Best Friend. You know when you sit in the turf lot with your bestie until literally 7:45 and when you hear the bell you look at each other, roll your eyes, slowly open the door and barely making it to first hour? This is something so small but you are going to miss this, I promise. The sleepovers when you lay in bed, tell each other your life problems, boy issues, cry, laugh and fall asleep to be woken up by her mom. Nothing will ever compare to those conversations with someone who loves you more than you know.
And this will happen, you're going to think you're doing fine until one night. You're going to be laying in bed and you're going to need your bestie right then and there. So you'll call her in tears saying how much you miss her and wish she was there but there is nothing neither of you can do. If I'm being completely honest, this has happened probably seven times. So thank you for Courts for always picking up the phone no matter the time, listening to me and never failing to let me know our friendship means the world.
Walking into school and knowing everyone. Your first day of college is like the first day of kindergarten. It's the first time you're really on your own, you have to figure out where to go, what building, what professor, what lecture hall, this is your first time you'll have to ask for help. You'll notice other kids who are looking around and chances are they are in the some position as you.
So in these next few weeks, notice when you walk into class. You know almost everyone and chances are you know something about them, their siblings names, if they play sports, do theatre or band, and probably their plans for next year. Note the level of comfortability you have with these people, that is something so special you will most likely never feel again.
Wearing purple and gold. Remember when you were a freshman and learned the 'Raider Rouser' and could barely mumble out a few lines? And then senior year roles around and you know it like the back of your hand and you scream on the top of your lungs. It is one of the most bittersweet moments. When you pull on that jersey, it's just a jersey until you look down and see all that it represents.
There will a come a day you will tie your cleats, step on our home turf, pray to St. Joseph and St. John the Baptist De La Salle, and wear purple and gold for the very last time. And when that last time comes, you're going to think about all of the friends, memories and laughs that have come with wearing purple and gold. Playing athletics at Cretin- Derham Hall is such a privilege you won't realize until it's gone.
Look at your teammates. They've picked you up when you were down, (maybe even literally), they've watch your success' and failures, they've been there through it all. So hug them and tell them how much they mean to you because they play a huge impact in what your sport means to you.
Tell people you love them and appreciate them. This is the number one thing I wish I would've done more of. Think of all the teachers who get up extra early to be there before school, who make study guides so you are successful, who can tell when you're having a rough day and who know who you are beyond just a student. Thank them. We are so fortunate to have teachers who see more potential in us than what we see in ourselves.
Even before big tests, you are always told good luck, to ask questions if you have them and to take your time. They genuinely want the best for us, so take advantage of that because before you know you're going to be sitting in a lecture hall, given an exam and have forty-five minutes to complete it and it will be worth one fourth of your grade.
So seniors, open your eyes to all you are blessed with right now in this moment. Appreciate, hug and love all those around you before you're standing on stairs at the cathedral.
Much love to you all!
