Reflections of a Grateful Graduate

Reflections+of+a+Grateful+Graduate

The fact that my senior year is coming to an end really has left me speechless, but also with a lot to say. Coming to Chelsea High School from being homeschooled had me very afraid. I only had a few friends, fell up the stairs and down the bleachers, and I got lost multiple times–but I also gained some amazing friendships, learned a lot, and changed as a person for the better.

I remember first trimester, freshman year, the second day of biology class, we were going over the homework. Apparently you are supposed to use a pen to correct any problems you got wrong, but I did not know this and was using my pencil. The teacher thought I was cheating and I got an F on the assignment. Little freshman me was terrified; I thought this ten point assignment would ruin my grade for the entire trimester and kill my GPA. This year, I got a letter in the mail telling me that I qualify for Cum Laude. Clearly, that F was not the end of the world.

It amazes me how many of my classmates still don’t know I was homeschooled until freshman year. Everyone thinks I moved to Chelsea from somewhere else, but really I’ve been here the whole time. I think knowing that so many people are clueless about my past makes me realize how clueless I am about theirs. I’ve been going to school with my classmates for the last four years and I’ll still hear things that I had no idea about. I think coming to public school has given me a greater appreciation for when people open up and share things with me. It’s really a privilege if someone shares personal things with you. If someone is comfortable enough with you, comfortable enough to share things about their past and to share their goals and happy and sad thoughts with you–value it; don’t take it for granted.

As much as I’ll miss seeing some of my friends everyday, I’ll miss the teachers more. All the teachers at CHS are some of the most caring and inspirational people I’ve ever met. Each teacher has their own unique teaching style and cares about their students in different ways. There has never been a doubt in my mind that I could go to any of them for help with things, whether it’s school or non-school related. I have developed such great bonds with some of them, and I will never forget how much they’ve helped me throughout the years. All the teachers at CHS have had a positive impact on me, but the few teachers who have impacted me the most are Ms. Davis, Mr. Moundros, Ms. Naar, and Mr. Schilt.

Ms. Davis has helped me with my schedule each year and helped me with any subjects I’ve struggled in. She’s always been here for me with any personal struggles as well; I wouldn’t have the confidence in myself that I have today if wasn’t for her. Mr. Moundros teaches the subjects that are not necessarily my strong suit, but since he is always so kind and positive in and out of the classroom, I loved being in his classes and he helped me to succeed. Ms. Naar has shown me so much compassion and is always ready to help with any problems I could have. She’s always putting students before herself, and it’s so inspirational to see how much she cares for others. Mr. Schilt has shown me endless patience and always helps me finish my work to make it the best it can be. He is always ready to give suggestions and is open to new ideas as well. His teaching style has really helped me excel and helped me to create things I am proud of. These teachers, and all the other educators at CHS, have helped shape me into the person I am today, and I cannot thank them enough for all the love and support they’ve shared with me.

I’ve learned a lot about friendships over the past four years. I’ve let go of some friends who I thought would be with me forever, but I’ve also became best friends with people I thought I’d never talk to. I think it’s very important to know when to let go. When friendships end, they don’t necessarily have to end badly. Sometimes, people just grow apart or maybe you realize this person isn’t someone who should be in your life anymore and you have to make the decision to let them go. It’s also important to know when to listen. When friends are going through tough times and they tell you all about it, it can be very hard when you really can’t do anything to make it better. What many people don’t realize is, sometimes, all your friend needs is for someone to listen. Listening and just being there for someone can be just as important and helpful as actually being able to fix a problem.

High school impacts a lot of people in a lot of different ways. For me, I can confidently say that I have received a positive impact from the last four years. There have been negative and positive experiences, but the positives outweigh the negatives by a lot. I feel so blessed with all the people I have met and the memories I have made. I wouldn’t go back to change anything. I’d love to watch it happen all over again.