Back in sweet home Chicago, it is the start of homecoming weeks across the city. Scrolling through Facebook, I see picture after picture of friends at the dances and cheering on their schools in the homecoming game. I think about when I was in their shoes my freshman year of high school, screaming so much that by the end of the game I had lost my voice (partially because I was already sick). I think back to all three of the dances I went to; I say three because I made the mistake of not going to my senior year homecoming dance. Thinking back, I would definitely change my decision.
If you asked me to describe my high school, I could do it easy peasy lemon squeezy. The specific smells, the placement of rooms and the artwork. You knew what they would be serving at lunch that day or what the choir, band and orchestras would be playing from the sound being carried from the music rooms. For those who can understand, there was the struggle of walking down the crowded hallways and having to shove people out of your way. Then having your teachers ask you the dreaded question, “Why were you late?”
Don’t get me wrong, high school was great, but it is definitely NOT the best time of your life (trust me). Realizing this, I would not change what I experienced or the memories I created for anything. My friends and most of my teachers helped shape the person I am today, pushing me to be the best I could be. For all you high schoolers out there, take it from me: take advantage of every opportunity, every football, volleyball or soccer game and homecoming dance you possibly can. Even if that’s not your thing, find what makes you unique and make every moment count. High school might not be the best time of your life, but it’s an important chapter in your life leading you to what’s to come. Trust me, you can do it.