I began this student reporter series with a looking-ahead piece on senior year. I asked teachers what advice they would give to seniors in their last year. Some teachers advised students to fill the year with abundant memories. Others suggested that students try their best to avoid college stress.

However, now as the high school year is coming to a close and seniors are waiting for graduation, I have another outlook. In the media, high school is shrouded by many cliches and challenges. It is constantly the center of negative media. In fact, it is often joked about and harshly criticized.

Teachers go on forgotten, school projects get tossed out, and tight friendships might fall to the wayside. But these feelings are merely extensions of inner discontent. If I could talk to my past-self, I would tell her to be OK with not being OK, and to listen to her mother because moms are usually right.

I would also tell her to make confidence her best accessory because that is something she can take with her wherever she goes. Failure, stress, and change will always be part of high school, and that is constant if you grew up in the 1950s or if you will grow up in 2050s. In fact, these feelings will happen throughout your life.

However, woven in between high school’s emotional roller coaster are elements of self-discovery, strong bonds and intellectual growth. Days with those elements should be the ones that you remember the most in your high school career.

You should remember that time when you took an art class or chorus just be1cause you wanted to try it. And you should remember the school events that you went to, and the teachers who cared and made a difference.

As seniors, our next steps in the world are quite exciting, but everyone needs a good foundation to start from, and that starts from within.

Best wishes in all your endeavors.

A fellow life wanderer,

Lara