The 2022 school year is taking off faster than I would have liked it too. Coming back to school can consist of many different emotions. Anxiety, fear, and stress might fill your head but for some people school is a safe place and gives them a sense of security, consistency, and maybe even a little joy. 

With starting my junior year, I am definitely feeling the pressure. Three college classes, school sports, a lead writer for The Signal, and National Honors society are all the things I am going to be involved in my junior year. Not to mention ACT’s, finding scholarships, and getting myself prepared for college. This year is going to be filled with challenges, but can also be filled with great rewards to come. 

I have decided the harder I work this upcoming year, the easier my senior year and college will be. My plans for the future is to take on Mizzou and go into their journalism program. That is going to be a lot of work and a lot of money, so this year is extremely important in setting that up and taking advantage of the scholarship and educational opportunities I have. 

The school has also implemented new rules about no phones in class and no wireless earbuds. That has really taken a toll on me because I love music and working to music, so I feel as though my focus will not be as on point as it normally would be. As much as I love listening to music, it is nice not having to worry about my phone during class because I know I am not supposed to be on it which will cause less distractions. 

I am also a student athlete. I am involved in volleyball and track. I love both of these sports, and they are super fun to participate in. Although they are super fun, they are also another added challenge. Games and meets can go late, as well as practices everyday, which take time away from any school work I need to do. If a game goes late, I have to find a different time to complete my work which can be difficult. 

Late practices and games, a lot of school work, and finding colleges are things I have always feared about junior year, but there are also dances, spirit weeks, athletic games, and meeting new people are things that I cherish in high school. I love dances and spirit weeks at school. I specifically love Homecoming because I also love football. I just feel it is just such a fun time in the school year and everyone comes together as one to just have fun.

High school is a challenge. It is stressful and crazy, but there are so many good things that come along with it. You make new friends who turn into a family. Watching sports games, dances, spirit weeks, and activities make school so much fun and can relieve the stress on some of your worst days. I am ready to take on this 2022-2023 school year no matter how many challenges I am faced with. I know in the end, it is going to be another great year in the books, before I am off to my last year at Fort Osage High School.