“Can I have five more minutes?” Hearing this song on the radio growing up always made me think about what it would be like when I would be in the shoes of needing “five more minutes.” Singing this song in the car, thinking that the time would never come, but now, I am standing here often wishing I had five more minutes. The song says “time goes by, the clock don’t stop”; this couldn’t be more true. Entering freshman year, all I wished for was senior year to come. Now that senior year is here, I think back to all of the memories I have made this year, wishing they didn’t have to come to an end.
Looking back on the last four years, the first thing I notice is the growth I’ve had. Freshman year, I was a young kid, searching for friends to make high school memorable. Ending freshman year and entering sophomore, I began to grow deeper in my faith and grow in my friendships. Reflecting on junior year, it truly is the hardest year of high school. But, I wouldn’t have changed anything about that year because it shaped me into the person I am today. The biggest growth I have seen in myself through high school has been in my faith and my friendships. I have gone deeper in my walk with the Lord and, through that, I have also gained new and deeper friendships.
Entering senior year, it felt like a dream. Senior year is something I have looked forward to for years of my childhood, and then, in August, that day had come. The first time I began wishing for “five more minutes” was at the end of football season. Getting ready with friends and going to the game all together was over. The season ending signified that every event and game would be the last.
After the first semester of senior year, things began to feel real. I had now entered into the last semester of high school ever. Looking ahead into May, I knew the time was short and that I wanted to soak up every last minute with the people around me.
“Can I have just five more minutes?” This is the ongoing statement of the second semester. Time flew and how am I about to graduate in a few short weeks.
Now, writing this and looking back upon senior year. I think about all of the memories I made, from football games, dinners at Mineral Mexican, late night drives, basketball games, pickleball nights, weekend sleepovers, and so much more. I can’t help but think about how I want to hold onto this time forever, not letting any of the memories and fun end. But, in a few months ,we will all go our separate ways.
“…I wish I had a pause button…”
Senior year has been filled with so many amazing moments and memories with my friends. Looking back, I am so thankful for the way I worked to soak it all in. Every photo I took and event I attended will always be in my heart and cherished as memories. This year has been my favorite year of high school. I cannot believe it’s over, but I also am so excited to enter the next chapter of my life.
Thank you newspaper and Mrs. Curran; being in this class has taught me so much and I will forever cherish the memories and fun times. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had through this class, and I will never forget how much the class grew me and the friendships I have made throughout.
Thank you to my teachers and Mr. Redd. This school truly embodies what it means to be “One Family.” I will always be so thankful I spent my high school years at Louisa.
Thank you to my friends, I would not be here without you all. Each of you have encouraged me in ways you don’t even know, and I am so thankful for the times we all got to spend together. I love you all so much.
Thank you to my family, you have no idea how much I cherish everything you have done for me. Especially my mom and dad, I would be lost without you both. I love ya’ll so much. To my brother who never fails to make me laugh, I am so proud to be your sister.
To all the underclassmen, I want to encourage you to soak in the memories. Go to every event, take lots of photos, and make all of the memories with the people you love. Don’t forget to be in the moment with those around you. But, it is okay to wish you had “Five More Minutes.”
To the Class of 2026, we did it, we’re officially high school graduates, congratulations!
