Like they say, it’s not how you start, but how you end.
Whenever June rolls around, students usually think of only two things—either they can’t wait to go to school and start learning again, or they wish summer could be longer so they wouldn’t need to go to school again, sit down in class and listen to seemingly endless lectures.
I used to be the student who felt the latter. Every time school was about to start, I’d hate it, and I’d start counting down the days until the next break.
This was how I felt for the past 12 years, and it’s only this year that my mind-set has finally changed. I’ve started to see things from a different perspective, and instead of looking at school as a chore, I’ve learned to look forward to it every single day.
It’s quite sad how it’s only now that I’ve finally realized how fun and exciting school and learning can be. But, like they say, “It’s never too late to change.”
It is mind-blowing how fast time flies, and it’s already my last year in high school. In less than a year, I’ll be graduating and saying my goodbyes to the place where I’ve spent more than half my life. It isn’t simply just a place or school anymore; it has become home.
As the first few weeks of school started, I’ve been really ambivalent, nostalgic and simply confused as I constantly ponder everything I’ve gone through the years. I have so many regrets, yet all I can do now is to learn from those mistakes and move on.
Empty and unfulfilled
I’ll be honest: I still feel empty and unfulfilled. This may be because I’ve been going to school for the sake of going to school the past few years. This may be because I’ve never really stepped out of my comfort zone and push myself to go the extra mile.
I’ve been complacent and lackadaisical, settling for “good enough” when everyone knew I could do so much more. I’ve focused on the wrong things more often than not. There were times I’d wonder when I’d be able to step out of my shell and be that student I’d always envisioned myself to be. I’d like to think the time has finally come.
Senior year couldn’t be timelier, and it’s really amazing how my story has unfolded. The book isn’t complete yet, and this final chapter will arguably be the most important, and hopefully the most memorable.
Like they say, it’s not how you start, but how you end. This is my final chance to live, explore and see what high school is all about, and I hope not just to maximize my potential but to share my talents, as well.
Like every story, I know the journey will not be easy, and I will face trials and tribulations that will put me to the test. But I’m ready. I’ve been preparing for this test the past 12 years. This is the moment I have been waiting for—to finally apply everything I’ve learned in every class, homework, test, project, sport and activity.
I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. There’s no looking back anymore; I’m leaving my past behind me, for it is now time to step out of my comfort zone and make this last year of mine count!
For the next nine months, I’d like to invite you to follow my senior year adventures. Smile, laugh and cry with me as I write about every fleeting moment in my final year of high school.
This is it, the final stretch. And oh boy, am I ready to start writing my future! This definitely will be a year like no other!
David Ongchoco is a high school senior at Xavier School. To learn more about him and his senior year adventures, check out his blog: doitchoco.wordpress.com.