This past week, I found myself waking up each morning to thoughts of what lay ahead. I stood up out of bed each day somewhat in disbelief that time has gone by so fast and that I will be attending college classes in Salt Lake City within a couple short months. This disbelief is definitely a positive feeling of shock because my adventurous mind is ready for a new environment and new challenges.

It is with a smile that I can now say I am an alumni of Granite Hills High School. And even with the sadness of parting from my close friends and family, I still find myself smiling because of the great people I have in my life, and because of the great times to be experienced.

The months of May and June have been full of excitement, amazing times and sincerity. Prom was an awesome night of dancing, talking and joking around with my great friends, and even though the intimidating testing of May had me somewhat worried, it blew by without much nervousness or difficulty. That brought my eager friends and me to the final week of school in the first week of June.

With almost no final exams (and unbelievably easy exams that were assigned), everyone began to tell each other about their true thoughts and how they really felt. While talking to one of my close friends late at night recently, she told me that it was somewhat of a shock to hear how sincere friends have been lately, and how it really can be emotionally touching. I would have to agree, because spending time with my friends and family has made me realize my love for them and also how much I will miss them while I am away at school.

After signing yearbooks, saying goodbyes to teachers and hearing the final bell of high school ring, I was ready to graduate. The following morning, the graduation ceremony sped by, and it was then that I fully felt the change of not being a high school student any longer with a world of differences about to come.

This week has been a chance to simply relax, without summer homework or starting work immediately for the first time in four years. I’ve used this free time to enjoy each day as much as possible by painting, swimming, doing projects around the house, and most importantly, spending meaningful time with people who are closest to me. Every time I hang out with a friend or a group of friends, they are always smiling and honest, because all of us know the value of this time to enjoy the company of others who we will miss while at college.

Looking back, this year has been filled with amazing times, new opportunities and unforgettable friends. I can honestly say that my senior year of high school has been the greatest year of my life, as I have reached a level of comfort with myself and others that I have never known before. I have enjoyed so many great times I will forever be thankful for. From the decisions of college, to challenging competitions in Destination Imagination, to sprinting down the beach at night with my friends, fully dressed for prom, each moment has been memorable and great.

I would like to say thanks to ACT and to my editors for giving me this awesome opportunity to tell of my high school experiences, and for their guidance and patience during this great project. Not only has it allowed me to write to a national audience, but it has also helped me become more reflective, aware and appreciative in my life. Taking the ACT test truly helped me in my journey to becoming a college student. My score was an important feature of my applications, which earned my acceptance to every college I applied to, and even helping me to qualify for Westminster of Utah’s Presidential Scholarship, along with acceptance into the Honors Program—all great opportunities I am thankful for.

I would also like to say thanks to my family and close friends for making such an amazing impact in my life. Without each of you I would not be where I am today, and I know that I will miss all of you while I am away, but will always come back during breaks to spend time with those who mean so much to me.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratefulness to my readers. It means a lot to me to have this chance to reach out to others and hopefully, my writing has helped you or brought you enjoyment in some way. Without an audience, I would simply be speaking to open air, so to anyone who has read this blog, thank you.

I really don’t know how to end this entry. There is so much to say about what has happened recently that I could continue to go on endlessly. But sometimes in life, leaving something unsaid is the best way to handle a situation so that each individual can craft an ending for the self. At this stage in life, a lot of opportunities are open for every aspiring person to grasp and use for their own success. So take hold and find your happiness.

Goodbye, best wishes and thank you, once again, for this great opportunity!