High school was an insane roller coaster of up’s and down’s for everyone. For myself especially, it felt much more inclusive of the down parts, or at least they lasted longer. Moving onto college with move in day a little less than three weeks away, I have been reminiscing a lot about what I will never be returning to. High school provided me with many memories, and today I am going to capitalize on the worst of the worst and the best of the best.

What I WILL Miss: That one teacher that always offered support.

Every high school has those few select teachers who just get it. They are there every step of the way and seem to understand that high schoolers can have a bad day without being a bad student. While I’m sure college professors can be the same way, I will miss my support group of incredible educators who taught me more about myself in high school then the subject.

What I WON’T Miss: The “Set-in-stone” Schedule

Like everyone else, I hated the whole waking up at 6am and having the same seven classes everyday schedule. Like many other high school students, my brain can’t stand that after a few months of being in a rut. In college, I have two or three classes a day and those classes only a couple days a week. I will actually be excited to be at those classes when I have them, and as a plus none start before 9am!

What I WILL Miss: Teachers riding you to be in class and work hard.

This one serves as a double edged sword. Since I have become so used to micromanagement, it’ll be an adjustment to become my own advocate. I can definitely see it being possible, but it’s a new challenge. I won’t be used to teachers / professors not caring if I don’t show up to class or if I don’t do my homework. It’s all about drive now, and how much I have to work to commit to it.

What I WON’T Miss: Everyone Knowing Everyone’s Business

The curse of a small school district, and an even smaller town. I won’t miss hearing drama every time I go to Market Basket with my mom. “Did you HEAR that Ellen and her husband are separating?!? Bless their hearts.” Or in school seeing a girl crying and having the news fly around faster then a fire that her boyfriend cheated on her. No one wants that privacy in such a bright spotlight. I’m ready to create my own circle of people I care about, that care about me. No one else needs to know anything about me other than what I put publicly online.

What I WON’T Miss: Skeleton’s in Closets Getting Brought Up

WHY DO PEOPLE DO THE THING WHERE THEY SAY: “Hey, remember when you dated that [insert embarrassing old significant other here]?” Yes. Yes of course I remember it was probably the lowest point of my high school career, but thank you for reminding me. Or even worse, when they remind you of someone who you LOVED but they left you. I just can’t even comprehend why people think that’s okay, but hey that’s just me what do I know?

What I WON’T Miss: School Lunches

This one doesn’t need much of an explanation. While the lunch ladies at my particular high school were very kind and generous, that doesn’t make their budget higher, and it didn’t make fish Friday smell any better.

In conclusion, high school had a few ups, but hopefully college will bring many more. More people, more interesting days and classes, more friends and more wonderful memories.