Many see high school as one of the most defining times in one’s life. This is logical because these years are often the ones where teenagers undergo massive change through self-discovery. I agree wholeheartedly that these years have been important, while also believing that I will continue to learn not only today, but every single day until I die. It is at this point in my life, as a graduating senior, that I first and foremost want to thank every individual who has helped me, shown me kindness, and offered their talents, concerns, and empathy.  Each of them have been essential to all that I’ve learned up ‘til now.

Learning can be tough. It requires patience and endurance. It is what allows one to build confidence or destroy it. It is what defines the future and what will determine ongoing success. While I am not necessarily qualified to give advice on high school and the process that goes along with it, I have realized that as a result my learning so far, I have some knowledge and advice that I want to pass on to all current and future students of Air Academy.

To:

Incoming Freshman

Yay! Middle school is over. Now get ready for four years of blood, sweat, tears, and exhaustion. Just kidding, but really, it’s time to start thinking about things.  Realize that you’ve got a challenge ahead of yourself (if you want one, of course). While I’m not denying that there will be tears and insane cases of tiredness, at the same time, these years are ones to look forward to. Start good habits early and remember not to let the time pass too quickly. There will be many good things ahead, lots of learning, and an innumerable amount of room for mistakes, but also growth. You can do it! Stick with the year and see how it goes. It doesn’t hurt to get involved in an activity or two— they’re great opportunities to meet new people and discover new interests.

Future Sophomores

Congratulations! You made it through one year of high school. Now is when stuff starts getting more serious. Harder classes, licensed (or still permit) driving, more extracurricular involvement, friend drama, inklings of rebellion, you name it, sophomore year is when things get real. More conflict, more potential for resolution, and I’m sure you’ll solve each problem with all the grace of a walrus on stilts. But trust me, this is okay. Some may handle times of stress well, and some not as well. Either way, your growth is reliant on a learning process, meaning you’ve got time to make mistakes and take away positive lessons. Don’t get too caught up in the details, and make sure you begin to understand the importance of your own development. Also, as a side note, if you have some free time throughout the year, it’s never too early to start thinking about your future, to begin building a resume for colleges, or to devote yourself to something you love.

Future Juniors

Welcome to hell. There is no way to sugarcoat it. This year will be hard, and that’s why it will be important to focus. No matter how tough it gets, take a deep breath, slow down, and remember to take each challenge step by step. You’ve got this. You will pull through. There is no one better than you to secure your future, which is why this year will count, even more so than ones in the past. However, at the same time, this will be one of the most memorable years of high school— make it a good one. The time is now to have fun, while still valuing the importance of your education and all that you will learn both in and out of school. Enjoy, appreciate, and evaluate the time you have left in order to make the most of it. Ready to try something new? This will be one of your last chances… go audition for the musical, try a new sport, or get that new (maybe first) job. It may seem too late to get involved, but it’s not. With this whole year and the next, there will be so many things that you will not want to miss out on. Seek out these opportunities, take advantage of them, and in the process, start figuring out what you want to do with your life— you don’t have much time left till you’re a…

Future Seniors

HALLELUJAH! It’s senior year. It’s your time to shine, but don’t lose your focus. Remember all that talk about college and your future? Now it’s go time. Start the college process or post-secondary plans early, or in other words, make sure you start getting your crap together. Application deadlines for colleges, scholarships, and vocational schools will approach faster than you think. It’s up to you to finish both the year and your high school career strong, while taking hold of your future at the same time. Yes, senioritis exists. Yes, it probably started when you were a sophomore. However, it will hit you so much harder this year, particularly second semester, than it has in the past. Don’t let it happen to you frequently (I do know it’s inevitable sometimes); it’s important not to let procrastination rule your life. This year, the only way to make time for things other than academics will be to get {insert frustrating, groan-worthy activity} done. Arguably the most important year in the determination of your future, senior year will be exceedingly difficult, but the best one yet. I say again, it’s your time, now make it memorable.

On a general level, please feel free to totally discount my opinions and advice if it is in any way incongruent with your own beliefs. It is undeniably important to define who you are and stand by your own values. On the other hand, I hope that no matter what grade you’re in, you were able to take away something from the detailed “knowledge” that I have gained living as a high school student at Air Academy.

Overall, I will say that these past four years have been remarkable. Remarkably hard, remarkably awesome, remarkably memorable, and remarkably important to my growth as an individual, they have, in any case, been the best of my life so far.

All current and future students of AAHS: best of luck, and my heart goes out to you. I hope the next year, two years, three years, or four years go spectacularly for you, with an impactful amount of learning and the start of some of the best experiences of your life.

CLASS OF 2016: I truly believe we will be legendary, and it is with deep pride that I say I am honored to be graduating as a member of a class with such energy, confidence, courage, compassion, intelligence, motivation, dedication, and anticipation, not only for graduation, but for everything that the future holds. GO KADETS!