Lately, my attitude has fluctuated as often as the weather. Temperature-wise, one day it will be sunny and low 80’s, then in the low 40s only a day or two later! It even snowed a little one day. West Texas isn’t supposed to see snow in April; we didn’t even get much around Christmas! Like the changes in weather, one day I’ll be anxious and eager to graduate, but then I will find myself unsure and nervous about what is to come. Much of that is natural, I suppose. I just wish the weather and I could make up our minds!

For the past couple months, travel has been a big theme in my life. In fact, I realized that I’ve been out of town six of the last seven weekends! Two of those weekends involved my church youth group, two were for baseball, one for the state HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) competition, and one for a visit to my grandparents for spring break. From the Texas Panhandle, I’ve been to McAllen (in south Texas about 30 miles from Mexico), Austin, Dallas, and over to Little Rock, Arkansas. All of these very memorable trips added to an incredible senior year!

Baseball is going well and we remain undefeated in district play. We are 5-0 in the district and in sole position of first place. If we win the next game or two, we will be guaranteed district championships, despite what happens through the rest of district.

Due to my other activities and a conflicting schedule, I’ve been forced to make some tough decisions. Coincidentally, we’re discussing opportunity costs—what is given up as the result of a decision—in my dual-credit Economics class right now. That’s part of life though, and I have no regrets!

One of my “opportunity costs”—my state HOSA competition—was an eye-opening experience. I didn’t do as well as I had hoped, but granted, it was only my first year of competition. Many of my competitors have competed for multiple years. The atmosphere was crazy! Imagine 3,000 people in an enormous room; throw in balloons, signs, noisemakers, strobe lights, and performers and you begin to get the idea. It strongly resembled a pep rally for an important football or basketball game, but it was all for health careers! The experience was awesome.

The following weekend, I participated in something a little more familiar to me and had a great time. It was my 10th and final year to attend a convention in Dallas called Leadership Training for Christ. I got to see some old friends I had made in previous years and compete in events such as puppets, drama, and chorus. However, it was bittersweet. As much as I enjoyed it during the past ten years, I realized it was my last event. High school is beginning to come to a close, and a new chapter, college life, will soon open.

For those of you who took your ACT on April 4, your scores should arrive soon. Seniors, remember to begin taking care of final college preparations. Send your final high school transcripts and meet your area scholarship deadlines. Once you have determined where you’ll attend school, the university will most likely send their own requirements regarding housing, meals, and so forth. Good luck with the upcoming months and “finish strong.” Have a blessed week!