The last day.

I couldn't believe it. I stood in the mirror, about thirty minutes before I sat in the back seat of the Ford Edge, accompanied by my loving parents and goofy brother to the high school I once walked through, learned in, and made memories that will never cease to enter my mind as I look back on my years. I put on my cords, sash, and AP Capstone drape that went down the whole backside of my gown, and rushed out of the door. As we took the road towards the high school, I reminisced on speeding to get back from lunch on time, watching the senior prank of riding bikes to school when I was a freshman, and jamming to 2010 hits on the way back from football games. It hit me just a bit too hard that I probably will only take this road again if I am going to Harris lake, which will happen once in a blue moon, most likely. It is heart wrenching how one road, one school, and four years of memories can bring tears to your eyes in the matter of seconds. No, not every moment of high school was like smelling roses, but these four years shaped me into the strong woman I have become, and it is hard not to miss something that molded you into a better human being.

"You just wait until you are a senior Gianna," I heard throughout my freshman and sophomore years. Well, can I wait just a little more? Can I have my youth back? Can I stand in the 2600 locker bay one last time while eating doritos and talking about freshman Biology class? I wanted to wait just a little longer, go five miles slower, and stop to look around at the walls that have seen me laugh, cry, and even trip down the stairs. Oh brother, that was an embarassing day. Overall, thank you high school, for your guidance, tough love, and for preparing me for days to come.

#lifelessons #growing #graduation