Last year, I sat in the CPA listening to our former principal, Dr. Pryma, telling us not to rush through our senior year. I laughed under my breath as I thought, “Why would anyone not be ready to graduate?”

Walking into the halls of GBN as a five-foot-tall freshmen, I was ready for graduation and college. Throughout the past four years, I looked at coming to school negatively. I would hate getting out of bed and doing the same thing every day. I didn’t like the routine that I was forced to participate in.

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I realized my feelings had changed.

Sophomore year, I joined Torch because my sister thought it would be a good fit for me since I love writing and had a natural talent for it. If it wasn’t for her, I would have never been a part of this life changing activity at school, so thanks, Sis.

During Torch, I learned more about writing, myself and life in general than I would have if I didn’t apply. I’ve come out of my shell more than ever. I’ve learned how to be independent and how to be a leader. Torch has changed my life, and it is the activity at school I am most proud to be in.

If you ever told me I would be able to run for 45 minutes straight, or even run at all four years ago, I would not be able to stop laughing. GBN brought out my passion for working out when I joined strength training with Ms. Schultz. After three semesters of taking Strength Training, I have decided to major in kinesiology. Most people think being put into strength training is the worst thing that can happen to you. Trust me, it’s not.

GBN is an environment with life changing opportunities, teachers and students that you begin to appreciate when you are about to leave. If it wasn’t for them, I really would not be the person I am.

Now, as a five-foot-tall senior, I realize I only have a couple weeks left of high school. For as long as I could remember, this was the moment I was waiting for. As the days end and graduation nears, I realize that in a few months, I won’t be coming here every day. I won’t be writing for Torch or be worried I won’t get a spot in the science parking lot.

So listen when I tell you not to rush high school or any part of your life. By the time you end up at that stage of your life, you’ll be wishing you could go back and do it all over again.