And we’ve finally made it! We’re officially “Class of 2009” alumni of our respective schools. Although many of us thought the day would never get here, the end is here and it brings a new, exciting beginning. Walking through the halls of Frenship High School for the last time as a student was very refreshing. I was able to recall countless memories that I will take with me from high school; now I’ll focus on new goals and aspirations that I have set for myself.

The past few weeks or so have all flown by so rapidly. Our baseball season ended in a tough 5-6 game that went into extra innings. Personally, I was disappointed because I didn’t perform well and didn’t step up when my team needed me. The frustration lasted a few days, but I must say I did enjoy the extra free time to spend with some of my long- time friends from school before we graduated and went our separate ways. Graduation parties have been a lot of fun — just hanging out, spending time swimming, attempting to learn a new dance, and playing ultimate Frisbee have been a relaxing way to end a year of hard work.

On Sunday, May 31, our graduation ceremony arrived. It was very lengthy and, I must admit, rehearsal was a less than enjoyable experience. There were more than 325 of us, and we had to practice going through each of our names the correct and proper way.  However, during the official ceremony, I paid more attention to all of my fellow classmates, many of whom I won’t see for another 10 years! Our final time together was the evening of graduation at our school event called project graduation, held at the Texas Tech University Recreation Center.

This tradition began several years ago as an alternative for students to spend an evening together in a safe and drug-free environment. The night was an absolute blast! Some of our activities included basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, racquetball, blow-up jumping games and mazes, a rock wall, swimming, and literally hundreds of fantastic door prizes — everyone left with something! It was another amazing memory I will take with me to college.

Speaking of college, it’s a whole lot more work to get prepared for college than just applying and being accepted. I was actually quite surprised at all that goes into the process. Filling out scholarship applications is obviously the biggest one. Also, a housing request, medical forms, financial aid application, freshman orientation, and various other forms must be completed. I believe I have already turned in the majority of my forms and have even received my fall schedule. Biology is now my officially declared major. Ironically, I was going through some old worksheets from my freshman year (yes, I had all my papers from high school and even junior high) and I found one where I “declared” on the bottom, “I stink at biology!” With my growing interest in pharmacy or some medical field, I now enjoy biology much more than I used to. As I’ve mentioned in prior blogs, I have approximately 30 college credit hours. None of them are in the sciences, however. So this fall I have a chemistry class and lab, biology class and lab, and a natural science class. While a degree is not necessary to be accepted into pharmacy school, I would really like the background, and it looks good on applications. The more I’m around a hospital setting through my pharmacy clinicals, the more I think about other medical professions, such as radiology. I’ve still got several years ahead of me to make my decision though.

Firstborns are typically the guinea pigs for the parents to “figure out” how the parenting thing goes, so the prospect of moving off to college and the increased responsibility is new to all of my family. While we have had a few typical arguments and disagreements, my parents really have done a wonderful job, and I’m thankful to have their love and support. As we get accustomed to me being in college and getting older, I’m sure we’ll have more disagreements, but I will always respect their opinions.

Looking back at my four years of high school, I have experienced so many new and thrilling things. I was privileged enough to be on the Varsity football team for three years with an overall record of 35-7. I played basketball my freshman year, and I had a couple of successful seasons on the Varsity baseball team. Academically, I competed in Future Problem Solvers (FPS), UIL Accounting, and Pharmacology through Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). I spent a year in theater, media, and cooking to broaden my experiences. I was in the top 10 of my class every year. I had a girlfriend for almost a year and a half. At our church camp, I have been a counselor and enjoyed working with the kids and peers at church. I got my first vehicle, a 1998 Chevy truck, which belonged to my granddad until he passed away a couple of years ago.  I was very fortunate to be chosen for the position as one of two national ACT bloggers for the 2008-2009 school year. As a senior, I was nominated to Homecoming Court and Prom Court and chosen “Best Person to Take Home to Parents.” I have made hundreds of new friends and built close relationships with them, and I have received the guidance of many coaches and teachers who I thoroughly respect. It has truly been a wonderful experience!

Thank you so very much to all of my friends, family, teachers, and other adults who helped me along the way. Your influence has been much appreciated, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Also, thank you to Ms. Dana Engelbert, Mr. Scott Gomer, and Ms. Nancy Owen from ACT who have so patiently helped me through this blogging process. You were extremely helpful and kind and I thank you again. To other students who are in high school or will be within a few years, I encourage you to take full advantage of every opportunity you are given. This quote may be cliché, but it’s very relevant, “Carpe diem” or “Seize the day.” Make the most of every chance you get to experience something new while you are in high school. Don’t dwell on events of the past or worry about events in the future, but enjoy each day that you are blessed with and make the most of it! To everyone, good luck and God bless!