So let me introduce myself. My name is Jedidiah, and I am currently a senior at Frenship High School in Wolfforth, TX. Wolfforth is a small town just outside of Lubbock in the Panhandle. Many people who visit the area wonder where all the life went due to the lack of water or vegetation. They have a very valid point! Anyone who has been here knows what I am talking about. In fact, I was born in West Virginia and raised in Memphis and Houston, so discovering that a place this barren existed was interesting. However, people who live here love it, it’s now my home, and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.

Well, the last 12 years of school have flown by and I now look toward the land of independence. It is with mixed emotions of excitement, yet hesitancy. I still remember my first day of school ever and I just had my last “first day of school” before college. I, being the oldest of four, was unsure of the whole aspect of “school,” but I have since become a master of the trade. Once I start college next fall, the new feelings of uncertainty will return. But one thing is certain: The most important year is still to come and I am stoked about it!

I hope all of you had an enjoyable summer because mine definitely was. I was involved in more than enough activities to keep me occupied during the summer. I played football and baseball and also took part in church camps and events. Because it was my last summer before my friends and I go our separate ways to college, I took any available opportunity to spend time hanging out with them. Our family, along with some of our close friends, took a week-long trip to Colonial America, visiting places such as Jamestown, Williamsburg and Monticello.

But it wasn’t all recreational. I did participate in some academic activities as well. During the second week of my summer, I attended an ACT Prep class through my high school. It took place Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the following Saturday we took the ACT. This class was exceptional and I was able to improve my score by 4 points! I had already taken it once so I was able to focus on reading comprehension and developing my timing strategy. It gave me a more accurate idea about available college and scholarship prospects based on my score. With that I continue to organize my future plans.

The first days of senior year came and went. I enjoyed all my classes and teachers and believe it will be the best year yet. I’ve been waiting in anticipation for this to come for several years, but now it’s actually here. It may be tough at times to balance all the academic, social and extracurricular demands thrust upon high school seniors. But many before me have done it . . . so why can’t I? I guess there is no real reason if I set my mind to it and stay focused.

As the next couple of weeks and months go by, I’ll keep you all updated on my struggles and triumphs. I hope this year is a great one for me and for all of you as well!