My entire life, I have had the same three words preached to me: “Never Grow Up.” I never understood why people said this to me, because why wouldn’t I want to grow up?
As my moment to walk across the stage on May 16th approaches, followed by college and the real world, all I can think about is how I wish I had never grown up, and the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s “Never Grow Up” play in my head:
“Oh, I don’t wanna grow up
Wish I’d never grown up
Could still be little
Oh, I don’t wanna grow up
Wish I’d never grown up
It could still be simple.”
It’s funny how things can change, isn’t it? How can I go from wishing my high school days away, because I was so excited to grow up, to wishing my time wasn’t over yet? But I think that is the beauty in growing older, we know how fast it goes by so we learn to cherish the little things and the big moments.
The past four years have flown by, just as everyone told me they would. I have met so many amazing people and have grown in ways I never would have imagined. My high school career has been everything I hoped it would be, and more.
I promised myself that I would enjoy every second of my senior year, attend every event, and do everything I could to make this last year memorable, and that is exactly what I have done. From football games to homecoming and prom, and all of the senior festivities. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about my high school career, and I will forever be grateful for the experiences Louisa has given me and the people it has introduced me to. This community is one of a kind, and I’m lucky to call it my home.
To the newspaper staff and Mrs. Curran, thank you for allowing me to lead and grow as a person and to express my thoughts while enjoying every first period.
To my best friends, thank you for lifting me up, and being there for me. I could not have gotten through the days without you.
To my family, especially my mom, thank you for standing by my side and supporting me every step of the way. I have no idea what I would do without you.
To the freshmen, sophomores and juniors, soak up every moment, because it truly does go by so fast. You may be tired of hearing it, but you will never be in high school again, so just be yourself and enjoy this time, as these will be the days you remember, so make the best of them.
To the Class of 2025, congratulations, we made it!
