High school is often depicted as a time of teenage thrills and euphoria; however, in reality this is far from the truth. For many of us, high school presented us with challenges we never could have imagined.  I was no exception to this. My time as a high school student was filled with loss, personal, and social challenges that I was forced to overcome. While this opening may seem like a sob story, I promise there’s more I have to say. As difficult as these circumstances may be, I have no desire to dwell on the past. Rather I would like to offer words of encouragement and a mind set that I have come to embrace. 

As we all progress to different stages in life, we will all be subjected to rapid stages of change and uncertainty. There will be times when we are faced with obstacles that seem insurmountable.  Embrace these moments for what they are; every set back offers an opportunity to improve. If it were not for the challenges I faced, I would never have been able to mold in the man I am today. Adversity has brought me closer to my friends and the people I love around me and I have had the privilege of being uplifted and supported by an incredible group of people.  My encounters with loss have inspired me to create a lasting impact on the community that surrounds me. I branched out, became a journalist (which trust me was even a surprise to me at the time) , joined student mentor programs, tutored, and became president of National Honors Society; all of which would never have been possible if I had remained stagnant. 

I refused to let negative circumstances impact my future, and by doing so created motivation for me to move forward.  In the fall, I will be beginning my journey as a college student at the University of Virginia studying mechanical and aerospace engineering. And I am beyond grateful to my teachers, mentors, and friends whose presence in my life prepared me for my future.

Mrs. Curran, your guidance from my time as a freshman to a senior has had an indescribable impact on my life. The lessons and opportunities you have given me will continue to echo throughout the course of my life. I truly would not be in this position without you.

To my friends: Tucker, Gavin, Chris, Rocco, Aiden, and Ben thank you for forcing me to lighten up a bit and not take myself so seriously.  The memories and experiences we have shared together have been there to remind myself that there’s more to life than just academics. 

To my family: Mom, Avery, Taylor, and Sam thank you for putting up with my (I want to emphasize at times) stubborn, hardheaded nature and being there to set me on the right path. The guidance you’ve given me and the much needed (yet dreaded) lectures I’ve received have allowed me to grow as a young man and a student.

Finally, to the readers who have hopefully made it to this point ( I am well aware that my writing is definitely not the most exhilarating read) I offer you this advice. Whether it be the challenges presented by grief, pressure, or other circumstances please do not let these moments define who you are. Your future is bright, do not let one negative event set the tone for your life. Trust yourself, your morals, and your character. I promise that you are capable of success and have everything you need to succeed. High school and life as a whole is a chaotic ride; embrace it with your head held high and a confident step forward. Define your purpose.

“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for,” Fydor Dostoevsky.