As senior year is coming to an end, I’m forced to look back at my high school experience in a nostalgic way. It wasn’t the perfect experience that I had expected walking in on my first day of freshman year, but it was most definitely more than I could have asked for. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic started around March of my sophomore year. As the months of quarantine flew by, I was able to find myself and start doing things that brought me joy. I went outside a lot more and just appreciated the feeling of sunlight on my skin, the way the wind would give me the chills, and how nice the ground felt underneath my toes. My self confidence grew to a whole new level and I was finally comfortable enough to be myself. 

Starting my senior year, I expected it to be a breeze, but if I’m being totally honest, it has not been that at all. In all of my classes, I’ve had to work extremely hard to make sure I’m getting the grades I need for college and taking the classes I need to thrive in my field of learning. I’ve officially decided that I want to use my A+ to attend MCC Blue River for my first two years and then transfer to Graceland University for a degree in primary education. I would like to come back to the district and teach elementary kids at Cler-Mont because that’s where I attended elementary school. Fort Osage feels like home and I would like to make a difference in the community that raised me. 

During my year, I also hold a part-time position as a server at a restaurant. I work close to 35 hours a week while attending school full time. Having a job during my high school experience has taught me time management skills and has made me a harder worker in both my job and school. I have also bought a car for the first time and then I recently just got approved for my dream apartment. I’m so excited to implement myself into the adult world. 

As the time for graduation approaches, I find myself feeling sad that the place I grew up in is falling away from my grasp, but I know that as I cross that bridge into adulthood, I am prepared and ready for whatever is to come because the Fort Osage School District and its staff has done everything they could to do so. 

My biggest regret is not appreciating this school and its staff as well as I should have during my time here. When you’re closing in on the end of your high school career, make sure to look back and appreciate the place you’re in right now. You’re going to miss it when you’re gone, even if you don’t realize it now.