Would you go back to high school if you could? Whether you are a freshly graduated college freshman, a 23-year-old working toward your masters, or even a 46-year-old parent, would you give it all up and do it all over? Maybe high school was your peaking years where the underclassmen split the hallway while you walked by, or on the other hand, maybe it was the worst four years of your life. Would you go back and relive those days, or maybe even redo them completely differently if given the chance?

Would you give up the friendships you have made throughout college or adulthood to reconnect with those who stood by your side in your late teens? Maybe you were best friends with the quarterback or president of Math Club, would you go back to eating your brown paper bagged lunch with these old pals? Personally, I had a plethora of friends in high school and I wouldn’t have traded them for the world, but I have also made amazing new friends after high school. Even though I no longer see my high school friends every day like in high school, they still mean the world to me and can never be replaced.

Would you let go of the person you have become in order to be the teenager you once were? Life was a piece of cake in the high school stage. You didn’t have to pay bills, your metabolism was magical, and dating was easy. Would want to relive your naïve days where your biggest concern was what to wear on picture day? Personally, I would not. I loved being a teenager and I was good at being a teenager, but I am proud of the person I have since grown into. The teenage years were epic, but so far the early 20s have been, as well.

Would you go back to your old lifestyle? Maybe high school was a tough time with family issues or a hard break up. On the other hand, maybe you were on Homecoming Court or Miss Popular. Would you go back to your old life? Personally, I could not have walked out of high school with any better of an experience than it gave me, but those days are over and I accept that. Yes, college can be overwhelming and sometimes I miss the feeling of being at home with my family, but I have gained a level of independence I’ve never had. Whether you loved your life in high school or hated it, life goes on.

All in all, I loved my high school experience. I had the most amazing friends, teacher bonds, teammates, and schoolmates. A handful of my favorite memories take place in high school, but if I were given the chance to go back and do it again, or even redo the experience, I would not. I love the life I have since lived from high school and am very proud of the things I have accomplished. I would never give up who I am now, or what I have today in order to relive my high school days.