As I sat down to write my goodbye, it dawned on me how much being a student at Glenbrook North has taught me. I took away a lot from each of my classes, but I learned much more from all of my teachers and peers. I could go on and on with all the cliché life lessons there are to offer. Instead, I realize I can fit everything that any GBN student needs to know into one enlightening sentence. Whether cliché or not, it is so simple that it is often overlooked by many: do what makes you happy.
Unfortunately for me, my galvanizing moment did not strike me until early in my senior year. For three years, I forced myself to go to the weight room at least three days every week. Unlike most students, it was not to become stronger or to get better at my sport. I went to the vigorous lifting sessions to get my name on the attendance list so the volleyball coaches knew I was there. I went to various clubs week after week so I could tell the colleges, “Look what I did.” Don’t get me wrong, I love volleyball and I only participated in clubs that interested me. But there was always an ulterior motive.
As my time here at GBN began to wind down, I questioned if what I was doing was worth it. For many of the activities I involved myself in, the answer was yes. For the activities that didn’t give me an innate sense of joy, I simply said goodbye.
After four years at GBN, I look back on when I was a freshman and I realize I am a completely different person. This is in terms of my interests and what is important to me. I am also certain that my learning curve will continue in my college years and beyond. Being involved in things I didn’t enjoy, though, was important in realizing what I did enjoy.I found a passion in three new areas during my final year of high school, much later than most, that I know I will carry with me for a very long time: writing, music and basketball. So if you are a freshman, sophomore, junior—or in my case, senior—and you are trying to find your niche, there is always plenty of time. Do what makes you happy.