High School. Literally just hearing the words can bring back a rush of emotions. Whether those emotions be happiness, sadness, regret, or something we can't quite explain. For me that last one is true. When I think of high school, I can't say I hated nor can I say I loved it. As a Junior in college, those days have long gone. However, every time I visit home I am reminded of those four years that brought so many ups and so many downs. So here is the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes along with high school...

First and foremost, Friday Night Football!

Anyone who comes from a small town knows that Friday nights are for one thing and one thing only. Football isn't just a sport; it's a religion.

Spirit Week!

Whenever a big rival game is coming up everyone is excited. The students. The teachers. Even the principals are excited. So naturally, everyone in school has to coordinate to a theme in the tackiest way possible each day of the week prior.

Getting To See Your Oldest Of Friends Every Day Of The Week

Sometimes this is a great thing, and sometimes this can go horribly wrong. The great thing is they know you better than anyone. Honestly, they know you better than you know yourself sometimes. So naturally they know everything about you. They know your mistakes, your most embarrassing moments, and the questionable thing you did at the bonfire last Saturday. Sometimes this will get around to the entire school by third period the following Monday. Make better choices next time, with your actions AND with your friends.

Parental Guidance

When you have it, you don't want. And then when you don't, you do. Just because you weren't allowed to go out with Sam, who smokes cigarettes to be ~cool~, doesn't mean it's the end of universe. Honestly, they did you a favor. Also take advantage of every home cooked meal, and thank me later.

7 A.M. Til 3 P.M.

I can't sugar coat this one. It's horrible. It's exhausting. I'm not sure how I survived.

Cafeteria Food

Unless you have the luxury of attending a high school that doesn't serve trash on a plastic tray, I'm sorry. Pain is only temporary.

Saying Goodbye To Your Older Friends

This one is the ugly. Saying any type of goodbye is hard. This goodbye is one of the first you may have to say in your life. Sometimes it's temporary, and sometimes you aren't sure where their life will take them after high school. This is the person who prevented you from believing there was a 3rd floor on your first day Freshman year. The person who introduced you to so many people. The person who let you ride shot gun to parties before you got your license. But you will be just fine at school next year because now you know all of the ropes.

Enjoy it while you can, but don't worry if these aren't the "best days of your life". They aren't supposed to be, but they are supposed to be fun!