A Letter To My High School Teachers

To All Of My High School Teachers - Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Regan, Deacon Giard, Mrs. Poirier, Ms. Coan, Ms. Moros, Mr. Brudz, Ms. Stoyles, Mrs. Reilly, Ms. Mannion, Mrs. Janecko, Ms. Casey, Mrs. Shattuck, Mr. Healey, Mrs. Hicks, Ms. Milas, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Amidon, Mr. Menner, Ms. Raffles, Mrs. Jacobs, Mr. Hammer, Ms. Ridel, Mrs. Gilbert, Coach Calande, Mrs. Heaney, Mr. McConville, and Mrs. Marcucio: 

Let me start off by saying thank you. I was very lucky to have people in my life so dedicated to their jobs. I was fortunate to learn from each of you. There is something I took away from each class - some good and some bad. Most of you taught me lessons that I will carry on throughout the rest of my life. I graduated with more than grades on my report card. I left with values and life lessons that could never be graded. 

I am writing this letter now because I did not realize the impact you had on my life until you were all gone. Let this be a reminder to all of your current students: you are spoiled, just like I was. High school teachers were adults in my life that cared about me and wanted the best for not only me, but all of their students. 

I want to thank you for being difficult teachers. I now appreciate all of your challenges because it prepared me for the level of college work. At the time, I hated when I had a paper and two tests due on the same day, but now I am grateful for those sleepless nights. It was conditioning for my higher education. 

This letter is addressed to all of my teachers, even the ones I did not particularly "like" in class. You helped me focus on the content of the class and not the teacher; it is impossible to like everyone. Not every professor is going to be my favorite, and the same goes for the subject. I may not be interested in the course content, but that does not excuse me from not doing well or trying in the class, and I learned that thanks to you. 

For the teachers who truly loved their job, thank you. It was noticeable that you cared about the subject matter and that you wanted each of your students to care as well. You respected your students, and in return, you gained respect from them. I never wanted to let you down. You helped me try very hard in every aspect of your classes, and you expected nothing less than my best efforts. Thank you for motivating me to try my hardest with all parts of school. You all helped me become a better student in the quick four years I spent in high school. 

Thank you for guiding me in the right direction, for helping me find what I love, and for teaching what you love. All of your students have benefited and will continue to benefit. I wish you the best of luck with the rest of this school year. Try not to miss me as much as I miss all of you. 

Thank you for everything. 

Love and Blessings, 
Your High School Graduate 

I Miss My Friends!

I've been missing my friends at home a lot lately, especially these guys. Skyping with LV and Matt today made me realize how far I actually am from home. 

Shannon - you're like a ray of sunshine in my life. You are my glass half-full. I miss you immensely. I hope you're having a great time at NHIA! You make an extremely cute sloth!

Jillybean - I really miss just being around you in general. You get me and I get you...like 2 peas in a pod. We feel the same about literally everyone, and that's why we work. I hope you're not meeting too many weirdos in Bitch (I mean Fitch!) burg.

Matt - I miss your big giant bear hugs and your sass and your everything. I hope you have a killer senior year this year. No matter how much we make fun of each other, I really enjoy our friendship sometimes. Break a leg in both shows, and make sure you Skype me and sing at some point! 

LV - Who woulda thought I would miss you so much? You're literally my other half because without you, I'm just LV, and you're just LV, but together we make up (LV)². I love you more than life. I can't wait until I see you again so I can run up to you and wrap you in a violent hug. Legit whenever we're together we have the best conversations, and like if anyone else heard us we would be put in a mental hospital, and that is why I love you so much. Thanks for being so awesome. 

I love you guys so much. Thanks for being the bestestestest friends everrrrrr. I hope y'all are doing great at your various schools! Can't wait to see y'all again sometime soon! 

10 Things To Do Before Graduation

As some of my friends back home start their senior year at ECHS, I have been reminiscing about some of my own memories of last year. The boat cruise, football games, homecoming, the play, the musical, concerts, basketball games, senior farewell, the picnic, prom, graduation, and all of the other adventures in between. Senior year goes by so quickly, and all seniors at some point vocalize how they just want to be done. It's inevitable - schoolwork, homework, college essays, college applications, and a whole bunch of other factors make you want to leave high school as soon as possible. But high school is the only time of your life where you get to cultivate friendships in a safe place where you see each other everyday; where you can try new things that you've never done before without being judged; where you start to find out what your true interests and passions are, potentially leading you to a major or career field; and most importantly, where you make memories that tell your story. Memories that will last a lifetime.

Don't wish senior year away too often. Sitting in a college dorm reminds me of how there are some things I either wish I did or wish I did MORE while still in high school. As a result, I'm giving you the best list yet: 10 Things To Do Before Graduation.

1. Try something new, whether it be a sport or a play or an instrument.

2. Make plans with all of your friends to do something at least every other weekend. This is the last year where you'll have "easy access" to each other all of the time. Take advantage of it. You won't realize how much you'll miss your best friend until you're 320 miles away from them.

3. Thank the cafeteria workers. Even though school cafeteria food may be disgusting, they work really hard. A simple "thank you" paired with a smile goes a long way.

4. Do something out of your comfort zone! Go zip lining or rock climbing or cliff jumping or something crazy! Be fearless and reckless.

5. Tell a teacher how much he or she has impacted your life (in a positive way). I had a history teacher, Mrs. Ward, who basically helped shape who I am. She was the toughest teacher I've ever had, but I am eternally grateful to her for everything she has done for me.

6. Go to sports games and musical performances! Your classmates love being cheered on. Every high school student lives for their moment in the spotlight, even if just a few minutes onstage. Support each other instead of fighting with each other.

7. Pray a lot. This is cliché, but prayer is actually really important, and it can get you really far in life. Prayer will make your life more serene, and you will find yourself at peace more often than not.

8. Take pictures! You have dorm room walls to decorate next year!

9. Thank your parents. Hug them a lot. Tell them how much you love them. Don't yell at them or fight with them so often. They are sacrificing a lot for you, even if you don't see it.

10. HAVE FUN! Senior year is probably the best year I've ever experienced in my life. There were so many new and beautiful experiences that I never expected. Make the most of your senior year, because you will be walking away from receiving your diploma faster than you think.