I thought senior year would be much scarier, but so far it has been great. Just kidding. The past month has been a whirlwind of drama, last minute studying and an abundance of herbal tea.

   I went into this school year with the intent of buckling down and keeping my grades up for one final ego boost before college and so far I’ve managed well. Of course, managing well might be a slight exaggeration since I’m currently drowning in more Mathlab assignments than necessary. I’m sorry Mrs. Matson, since you’ve made homework easy and I procrastinate.

   After three years I feel like I should have more control over my school life. Just because I feel that way doesn’t mean it’s true. For me, being a senior does not equate to being more responsible.

   Since I’m a senior, I’m aware that there are quite a few people I’ll never see again after this year, people who I have grown to know and love. People who are so incredible and kind they make me want to be better. My friends and my acquaintances have all helped me rein in the snappy sarcasm for actual empathy.

I struggled for a very long time. I struggled with my body, with my looks, my personality. It was a rollercoaster spiral and I couldn’t find a way off the ride. I was afraid that one day I would wake up and my peers would realize I was nothing special.

   With a lot of help and self-growth, I eventually discovered ambition and hope. I found reasons to enjoy life and to wake up with a smile on my face. I have friends who I love and that love me back. I plan on making this year as good as possible. I want to make sure I leave behind a trail of positivity.

   So here is to my senior year, a year full of opportunity, friendship and growth. Here is to being a person that I have been too afraid to be for most of high school. I am confident that this year will be great and I extend the same challenge to anyone who reads this.

   I challenge you to live everyday with the belief that you are important, powerful, kind and everything in between. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior or a fellow senior remember; it is never too early or too late to start living life the way you want.