I don’t know how many of us actually thought that we’d make it to this point. I thought that I’d have quit by this point. It’s crazy that after all of those years building up to graduation, that I’m finally here. You’d think that I’d be ready for it after all this time preparing. But I’ve found that I’m not ready yet. Isn’t that stupid? I’ve spent all of high school waiting to put on that cap and gown and walk at graduation, but now that it’s finally here I’m not ready to move on yet.

I remember graduation last year. Choir was singing at the ceremony, and after everyone performed all of the juniors were sitting off to one side. Watching all of my senior friends get their diplomas made me realize just how soon I would be doing the same thing, and how fast my senior year would go. It didn’t seem real at the time, but I realize now that the year would fly by, and that I needed to live in the moment and enjoy it.

Just a few weeks ago we initiated the madrigals for next school year and gave them all a piece of advice. I told them to enjoy every moment of it, and to not wait to become friends with each other. One thing that I wish I had done more of is making friends with people sooner. If I could say one thing to every one of you, it would be make friends with as many people as you can. Some of the people who are my best friends now I didn’t ever talk to before the beginning of this school year. Making those friendships and working to improve the ones you already have will make them last beyond high school into the rest of your lives.

Senior year is a time of change, and you spend most of it going full steam ahead, but don’t forget to enjoy the small things. Go to the football games, show up at the True Blue activities, make it out to the dances. The best way to love it all is to spend time with your friends, trying new things and doing as much as you can. Don’t hesitate to do things that you don’t feel comfortable with. Jump out of your comfort zone and do anything and everything. Before you know it, you’ll be done with high school, so make sure that you’re happy with what you’ve done. Step out, make it count, and ignite your future!

-Konnor Woodburn