When I came to First Colonial, I thought high school would be like a completely different

world from middle school. I remember walking through the halls during the first few weeks,

trying to figure out where my classes were and probably annoying countless upperclassmen as I

checked my map for the 100th time. I also remember being shocked seeing seniors around school

who looked like actual adults to me. It’s crazy to think that now we are those seniors who

seemed so grown up back then. Over time I eventually got acclimated to high school. I got used

to coming to school on Mondays and watching the news anchors clink their mugs together way

too hard, in an attempt to break them someday, followed by America the Beautiful. I got used to

the air conditioning always being freezing or leaving everyone dying of heat, and the wifi never

cooperating. I got used to hearing the Fight Song on Fridays, the smell of cookies in the hallway

as we left for the weekend, going to football games, and all the little traditions that made FC feel

like a community. Then, before I knew it it was Sophomore year. And with Sophomore year

came new friends, new memories, and… COVID. I’m sure we all have stories of our struggles

during the pandemic. I don’t have to ask to know that it wasn’t easy for any of us. I still

remember my bus driver telling me on the last day of school before the lockdown that he thought

the “whole thing” (canceling school, quaranting) was stupid; that the Corona Virus was just a

little cold. I and many others had to navigate a significant chunk of our Junior year of high

school online. It was no walk in the park trying to navigate online classes, taking AP exams, and

the SAT all while every day felt like we were living in a dystopian YA novel. What matters

though, is that we did it. Sure, there were a couple hiccups along the way (yes, I am referring to

AP Physics), but here we all are, seniors and getting ready to graduate. I still think that it’s insane

how much we had to decide at the age of 17 or 18. Choosing what you’re doing after high

school, whether that’s the military, some form of post-secondary school, or taking a gap year, can
have a huge impact on the rest of your life. What matters though, is what you do once you’re in

it. In the next few years, we’re going to make a lot more life choices and have tons more

experiences. After going through the totally unique high school experience we’ve all had, we can

face anything that comes our way. Here’s to all the good things to come. Happy graduation, class

of 2022!