There are two ways to do something. One is to go through the motions and have a safe, decent outcome. Then, there’s another way: to execute with passion.

Spartan Slam, the Splash Bash and Minute to Win It have all been created. There are also new lyrics to the fight song, and cell phones are allowed in appropriate areas of the school. People have grown physically and mentally. Friendships have been made. These are only the changes that I can come up with off the top of my head. The student body can agree or disagree on the benefits of each of these events: but there is a common theme among them: it started with a spark of inspiration. Passion leads to inspiration and inspiration leads to new, amazing ideas.

After a long day at school, between morning practice, a club meeting, class, afternoon practice and working on a project, I am just about to reach the point of exhaustion. It is at this moment that I have an epiphany. It is not the prestige of the activities, grades and sports that matter, but instead it’s the way we complete each activity that has value.

We often become so caught up with what will look good on a college résumé that we forget why we actually participate in an activity. Joy seems to get lost in our fast paced society. If we took the time to slow down and appreciate each other, the opportunities we have been given just might be that much more pleasurable.

The complaining at the lunch table about the work load or hard practice (which I can be found chiming into) should be muted. The motivation behind why we do what we do should not be image but instead happiness. There should be more excitement leading up to an event and less dread.

As I am about to walk across the CPA stage to get my diploma (fingers crossed!) I am not thinking about all the conversations I have had about how much I do not want to do something but all the good memories I have created with love and pride. To be honest, I wish I had embraced the crazy long days at school more than I already have.

I understand that everyone always is preaching about becoming involved. We start to hear it in eighth grade and don’t hear the end of it until, well, ever. I am not writing this to tell you to join a club or try out for a sports team. I am writing because I want you to like whatever you choose to do. Do not pile on activities that do seem to have a huge impact and only cause stress and prohibit you from seeing your friends. Do not waste your time. Do the things you love.

So, my advice to the people that  are privileged to return to this community next year is simple. Enjoy what you do.