I recently received a letter I wrote to my senior self all the way back in my freshman year. As I read it, I began to reflect on everything that’s happened between then and now. For one, my friend group has completely changed. Now, I’m only friends with one of the people I included in my list then. Many of those who I considered to be my best friends as a freshman, I don’t even speak to anymore. However, despite the large loss of friends, I’ve also enjoyed a huge gain of new relationships, most of which are closer friendships than any of the ones I had in the past. Shifts in friend groups are normal. They happen. I wasn’t prepared the first time I had a major shift, all the way back in sixth grade, but I realize that I was much more prepared in high school. While losing some of the friendships was difficult, I find myself being thankful that I was able to replace that past group with people much more compatible with me. I am prepared for my current friend group to shift, too, as we enter adulthood and pave separate paths ahead for ourselves. I do believe, however, that many of these friends will be lifelong, even if we become more distant.

Moving on, I also noticed that I spent considerable time in the letter talking about what had then been a huge issue in my life: my grandmother. It was amazing to me, reflecting back on just how much Nana shaped me. She passed at the end of my freshman year and her impact on me has lasted to this day. I understand now how self-pitying I was back then. In the letter, I spoke of Nana’s stubbornness: she got herself stuck in the hospital and let herself die, all the while keeping my mother away from me. My sophomore year was spent dealing with her huge estate, which made me even more unhappy. In this letter, I had no idea she would pass later that year, and I didn’t know that the upcoming year would be plagued by her as well, even though she wasn’t alive anymore. Most importantly, however, I didn’t know that I would be able to move on so completely. Now, I realize that my negative experiences with my Nana only made me stronger today. Throughout these past few years, I’ve only gotten better and better at dealing with life. Stuff happens, but that’s just how the world works. Even in these recent few months – my grandpa passed away and I got diagnosed with arthritis – I’ve still had new problems coming my way. That’s a trait I share with every single person on this planet. Life is hard, but human beings can develop resilience. I know that everything that’s happened to me throughout high school has just made me more resilient, and it has prepared me for adulthood.

Finally, the last main subject I found in my freshman letter was questions on how my school life would end up. I wondered about both extracurriculars and academics. I laughed a little as I read myself questioning if I would enjoy crew, the sport that I’d decided on a whim to try out, knowing that it’s one of the most important parts of my life now. I wondered if I would continue to work hard and be successful in my classes, and I’m proud to say that my GPA has never been better. Further, I’ve added on two other activities since freshman year: choir and newspaper. I didn’t think I would be in either as a freshman, but now I’m in Chamber Choir and the editor of The Journal. I also received a varsity letter for crew my sophomore year and have medaled at countless races over the years. I’ve joined NHS and NEHS as well and will be highly decorated at graduation. All of this success is because I decided, all the way back in freshman year as I wrote this letter, to try my hardest in everything I cared about. That’s all it really is: trying your hardest in everything you do. Everyone has their talents and strong suits, but I think everyone would also find that all it truly takes to be successful is to have heart, to care and to work hard. It’ll all pay off.

As I prepare to graduate at the end of this month, thinking over everything that I’ve experienced at PHS, I can only make a few closing remarks. First of all, understand that everything will change. Your friends, your goals, and, most of all, yourself. That’s okay. In fact, it’s necessary. Nothing should ever stay stagnant. Secondly, be prepared for life to happen because it will, whether you want it to or not. You will lose people, you will be faced with huge problems, and you will feel helpless sometimes. Push through it and remember to live. Life is hard, but life is also beautiful. I promise that staying optimistic and hopeful, no matter how difficult it gets, will be completely worth it. Finally, remember to seize every opportunity you’re met with. Your plate might be swamped, but there’s always a way to work around it. Trying your best in everything you do will pay off greatly come your senior year. The thing is, nobody really cares how smart, athletic or popular someone might be, because those traits are only half the battle. It’s hard work, and humility, that get people where they want to be. Don’t give up, strive for greatness and you will have it. PHS is a unique school, full of different people, academics and opportunities. While you’re here, make the most of it. There’s nothing else like being a Big Red, and I have high hopes for all of you.