At the start of this school year, I finally understood and saw what people meant when they said, “High school goes by fast; it’ll be over before you know it.” Watching the freshman roam around with pure confusion on their faces while trying to navigate their way through the halls with crumbled schedules in hand was both hilarious and saddening. I reminisced about when I was once a clueless freshman way back in 2022. Time is most certainly a thief.
Freshman year was full of learning experiences, new people, good times, and beginnings. It seemed like the sophomore year would never end. I usually felt like I was just being pulled along, but it still went by in a blur. Now, I’m a junior, which seems so surreal. The thought of college has been floating around my mind, and honestly, it’s a bit scary.
I have had a difficult time grasping the thought of being away from home, not having my mom cook for me every day, and not being able to see my family that often.
I’m one of five children. My house is never quiet, and I’m never alone. It gets VERY overwhelming at times, but I will miss it once I’m out on my own.
On a random day during 8th grade, I remember my grandfather asking me what I wanted to do with my life after high school. I responded with a simple “I’m not sure yet.” He responded by saying, “You have plenty of time to decide.” But now that I’m looking back, where exactly did that time go? This only proves that it’s okay to plan early. Try to find an interest and stick with it, or tap into a talent and turn it into a career or an opportunity to further your education.
After my freshman year, I had my mind made up about majoring in journalism while running track in college. It would be an absolute blessing to do two things that I love while continuing to further my education.
During my freshman year, I watched my first “Signing Day,” when student-athletes were showcased and celebrated for committing to their colleges. It was nothing less than inspirational for me, and hopefully, my time is coming soon.
Knowing that my father was able to further his education because of athletics and seeing my older brother go off to college while continuing to play baseball inspires me. Seeing it in real time lets me know it’s possible, especially since they’re my blood.
Comparing your process of figuring out what you plan to do after high school to others can be overwhelming. I know this from experience. I made my first campus visits to Baylor University and Texas State University during my sophomore year. I suggest campus visits because they give you an idea of what college environment would suit you best. The visits are educational and fun, so if you haven’t visited a college of interest, I suggest you do it sometime soon.
If things go as planned, I plan to major in Journalism and run track in college. A lot of the time, I ask myself if that’s what I really want to do. The fear of not having a passion for the major I pursue continuously bothers me. After all, I’m just a teenage girl. Do I really know what I want to do? All I can do is trust myself and hope for the best.
Isn’t it crazy that one day, I will have to pack up my belongings, make a possibly long drive, and say hello to strangers who would soon turn into familiar everyday faces while leaving everything and everyone I know behind to learn new things? It will be the kickstart to my adulthood.
Yes, I am terrified for what is to come, but I’m also excited to see the woman I become throughout the process. Journalism and track are two things that I love; because of that, I can meet new people with similar interests and possibly make lifelong friends.
Being fearful of what is to come in the future is completely normal, but whatever you’re doing now in these vital years of your life, just realize that you are laying down the foundation of your future.
