As a student, I have always disliked Sundays. They mark the end of the weekend, and the next day is the start of a new school week. My last Sunday as a senior is about to pass, and all I can think about is how lucky and grateful I am, not how I am dreading going back. This school has given me so much, friends, knowledge, and experiences I will never forget. Being included in Student Assembly, journalism, marching band, NHS, and many AP classes, are just some things that made my high school experience so memorable.

I am grateful to have a loving family who supports me even when I’m struggling. My mom has not doubted me once and her confidence has kept me going even when I doubt myself. Without my mom, stepdad, and little brothers I would not have the strength and confidence that I have today.  I am so privileged to have a family that supports my growth and loves me unconditionally.

Without my friends, I would be so lost (and so, so bored.) While most friends come and go, I was lucky to find a group of friends who have stuck by me through everything, that I can call family.  I am also very lucky to have met my boyfriend, who I’ve been dating for over half of high school. Despite that I have lost some friends and grown apart from them, I watch from afar and support them, because I am so proud to see so many people I’ve known for years succeed. The lessons I have learned from these relationships will always be valuable to me, good or bad.

I am so thankful for my teachers that have fostered my love for learning. So, a special thank you to Mrs. Drouin, Mr. Chesher, Mr. Rolder, Mrs. Jordan, and Mrs. Burns. Whether it was the subject they taught, how they taught it, or just how they treated me, they all made a lasting impact, and I am so eternally grateful for that. I would also like to add Mrs. Castiglione, who was my kindergarten teacher in 2013 at Green Elementary. Mrs. Castiglione started my love for learning and made me feel comfortable in school, I wrote my college essay about her, without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so thankful that she was here to guide me along the way, even when I left her class. This also goes to show the lasting impact teachers CAN have.

Lastly, I am so thankful to have had access to education, and that would not be possible without everyone in the building. Sometimes, as dramatic teenagers, we can lose sight of how lucky we are to have access to free education and school lunch, so I like to remind myself how lucky I am to have the privilege of a free accessible education, as well as free school lunch; it is a privilege some people don’t have.

So, this Sunday I am not dreading going back to school, I am dreading the end of my chapter at Roseville High School; it is such a bittersweet thing to experience. Sunday’s also offer a new, fresh start which I am looking forward to moving into this next chapter of my life.