Thoughts on 11th Grade

Looking back now, 11th grade and just high school in general has moved at such a rapid pace. It only seems that 10th grade was just behind the corner and all the work I did this year dissolved between the fast moving pages of this year. 

first prom!

The year overall, from what I remember, is one that I am extremely grateful for. Leaving RMP with the satisfied result of finishing my research project, I entered into being an upperclassman with new prospects and perspectives. My sister was a freshman and it took a while to remember that I was now in a position of authority and high school was somewhere I was growing familiar with. My classes, filled with my interests in history, ASB, and English, were much more of a breather compared to the ones I took last year. I hung out with my friends in and between classes and the stress. Maybe it was because I was juggling more activities and clubs that I truly enjoyed and the school work seemed loads easier on my chest, it was definitely one of the most enjoyable years that I’ve had in high school.

There, of course, were many setbacks that I experienced. Constantly knocking on doors, physically and metaphorically, only to be shunned or rejected was hard to overcome. Of course, failure isn’t easy in any situation, but I felt I was getting the first real taste of it during high school. Compared to last year, I learned how to be more grateful of the surrounding chances that I had, ones that I had often taken (unknowingly) for granted. 

me in kenya!

But beyond that, what was most exciting was the opportunities that I gained throughout the year. Going to New York and the upper East Coast for the first time on President’s Weekend to tour universities that I’ve only heard through conversations and photos. During winter break, I attended a writer’s retreat, and as one of the youngest voices in the room, I was able to share and get a taste of writing again. Spring break, where students usually take a week off and use it as a breather, I traveled all the way to Kenya to meet with the Maasai community to speak and listen to all different kinds of people in the community (mamas, students, teachers). I was even able to eat roasted goat meat and tea while sitting near the fire and dance and sing along them. Next, two weeks after, I went to the United Nations for a week to speak on a panel about the impact Flowers for the Future and My Chosen Vessels have on communities across the world. And last week, I attended the Summer Seminars for the Air Force Academy, exploring and meeting with cadets. Just being able to travel and experience a crazy number of things in only one year, it’s been wonderful to gain these eye-opening moments and build myself as someone better and more open than ever before.

One of the most thrilling, and scary, aspects looking into the future is the end of high school. As college apps start rolling towards me headfirst, I feel both intimidated and excited towards the end of high school. The daunting fact that the end of my childhood and leaving my home will definitely be significant, but I’m definitely looking forward to wrapping up my senior year and exploring things and a new life beyond my own here.