Reminiscences

Tomorrow I graduate from the fine old institute of Taylorsville High School. Thirteen years of public schooling. It has been quite obvious, the past several months especially, by my complete lack of motivation for anything and everything, that I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life. The idea of independence is so promising. However, during this time of major decisions and preparation for the future, I can't help but reminisce.

I can count on one hand (even less than) the number of games the football team won. But that didn't stop the school spirit! Often the games were more of a social event than a sporting, but no matter, good times were had by all. And because success was few and far between, it made our wins all the more exciting.

Cross Country and Track enriched my high school experience. I learned a lot about work, setting goals, and pushing my personal limits. But above this, was the relationships that came from being on a team. Something about running brings people together. My teammates became my best friends.

I'll always remember stealing the fruit off of the trees we ran by. And the coaching voice of Justine at the 200 meter mark. And ditching morning practice, the day of region, for muddie buddies and a nap in the "pimp-mobile". And rapping on the starting line. And gorging ourselves after practice. And the day I surprised myself (and everyone else) by winning the 3200 meter race. And the nerves of the starting line, or the tears of the finish.

But the thing I'll never forget is the magic of team prayer. Religious and nonreligious alike, humbly asking for strength beyond our own.

In case you didn't know, high school is coed. So what would it be without a little romance, right? During these past three years I experienced my first major crush, first date-dance, first heartbreak, and first kiss. And many of these firsts repeated themselves. It has been so fun, so exciting, and mostly so silly because I am young.

Life has dealt me a winning hand of friends. I can't say enough good about them. Most of my high school time was spent with people who were similar to me, company that I enjoyed, and they were beautiful from the inside out. However, I came to know that change is the only constant. On two occasions I watched my friends graduate, grow up, and leave me behind. I was supposed to be happy for my friends on their graduation nights, but I just couldn't help feeling sorry for myself. I came to know loneliness. But it never lasted long. Senior year brought along more friends of the best kind. For that I am thankful. Yet I find it funny how life goes full circle. Tomorrow is my turn.