end of an era

 

 

When I look back on the past 4 years, there isn't a particular event that emerges as a core, defining memory — instead, it's the small things that I remember: walking home with friends after school, gossiping in the locker room during track meets, laughing to the point of nearly dislocating my ribs, the feeling after AP exams of finally being free of stress and responsibilities, even if that freedom only lasts for a few months...

It makes me sad to think that these things will be happening for the last time soon (even though I do have chronic senioritis). Approaching the end of the era is incredibly melancholic, but it is also equally intimidating, because nothing will ever be the same — everything, from responsibilities to the way I form relationships, will inevitably change.

But that makes now the perfect time to reflect on lessons from this chapter of life that I will take with me into the next. 1) Value friendships. 2) It's easy to become a "passive achiever," someone who does just enough to be on par with their peers but nothing extraordinary enough to set them apart. 3) Prioritization is key, because no one can do or learn everything; choosing a few things to focus on is always better than cramming in every single item on the to-do list. For me, one of those things should have been sleep — the amount of sleep debt I have accumulated over high school is appalling lol. 4) Don't take naps past 8pm (you will wake up 6 hours later severely disoriented with assignments still left to finish).

And lastly:

5) Be grateful for the present, because it won't last forever :)