Two weekends ago I finally took the ACT, and I was happy with my experience. Preparing with the online practice tests on the ACT website and staying calm helped me to finish the test fairly quickly and without problems.
The first semester of my senior year is already nearing its completion, and with most of my college applications finished, along with some major assignments for my advanced classes, I can again move my focus primarily to high school work and other obligations.
December already? Unbelievable. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m a senior, although that may be of little use since the year is almost halfway done. Also, my little sister is having a party for her 10th birthday today, and her age seems as incredible to me as my own. I’m glad for any opportunity to eat cake and ice cream, but I would be happy if neither of us were growing up quite so quickly.
Time must be accelerating, because it feels like each day is shorter and shorter, each week is quicker and quicker, and each year flies by faster and faster. Maybe time is related to perspective. The longer I’ve been alive, the smaller a day is in respect to the total time I have lived. Whatever the reason may be, these last two weeks have passed at an unbelievable rate, not to mention this year as a whole.
The first half of November has been fun, but also difficult and full of decisions. Advanced Spanish IV is an ever-present source of work; for a short time, I considered dropping it at the semester. To be honest, passing that class, much less getting an A, might be the most difficult thing I’ve ever done—if I manage it. Doing the work is definitely a test of character. Still, I wonder if it’s a test I want to take when I’m not sure if the class’s benefits outweigh the immense amount of time, effort, and stress required. In the end, however, it’s hard for me not to accept a challenge.
Words can explain even the most elaborate thoughts, but it’s hard not to feel limited by words when summing up the events of the last two weeks. Living in the San Diego area, I’ve been affected by the recent southern California wildfires. School was cancelled for a week, my ACT test date had to be rescheduled and I spent time taking precautions because of the situation and helping others who were affected by the fires. On top of all this, I turned 18 last week.
In the past two weeks, not much has changed regarding the college search—or should I say, the filling out of applications. The Vanderbilt application is easily accessible online anytime during the next several months, and the Murray application is sitting in my room. It appears as if the hardest part will be having information transferred. For example, two of my classes last year counted for college credit, credit I don’t want omitted, and unless I want to apply after I receive my ACT results this December, I need to have last year’s results sent. Looking back, I probably should have taken the time to at least select Murray when having the scores sent the first time. The first four schools you select when you register are sent your ACT scores for free, and it would have only taken a minute online to find Murray’s college code and request that scores be sent.
So I’m back from my brief trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, and to say the least, I had a great time looking at campuses, exploring the back roads of the countryside, and strolling through the city with my dad.
Although I hate to admit it, this school year is flying by. It’s already the start of fall break and the end of the first nine weeks (Crittenden school years are divided into four quarters). Of course, this also reminds me that now is about the time to begin preparing for college applications, and this week will present the most free time to do research.
Senior year is continually proving to me that the experience of a great education and the memories of growing up are not limited to academics and classrooms. While both are very important aspects of these years in high school, there is so much to add to life and learning outside of daily classes and assignments. I have realized that the activities after the final bell rings each day, or after that anticipated final Friday class is finished, can bring value into my life.
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