Goodbye football games. Goodbye pep-rallies. Goodbye Raider Way. Goodbye newspaper. Goodbye underclassmen. The time for my goodbyes is finally here. Typically, it’s just a goodbye to that school year, but this time it’s different. You never really understand what it feels like to be graduating until it’s ten days away. Every time I empty my backpack at the end of the year, I know in just a few short months I’ll fill it with brand new supplies and start all over. This time, it’s a goodbye. No more back to school shopping, no more first day of school outfits, no more proms, no more football games, no more club meetings, no more high school. School for me is a choice now, so I guess that means no more truancy letters anymore either. It still doesn’t feel totally real.   

    I remember going to my brother’s graduation as a freshman and the thought of that being me walking across the stage one day was so strange. I never thought I’d actually finish grade school. It’s one of those things that always just felt so far away, but all of a sudden I’m picking up my cap and gown and getting my transcript, crazy. Sophomore year, most of my friends graduated, and watching them stress over college and everything built a giant fear in me about graduating.I was terrified to make changes and grow up I guess, but now, I couldn’t be more excited. I have college and career plans after high school all set up, I’m going on a cruise and I truthfully have never been so happy. Graduating high school opens up a whole new world. I have endless opportunities and it’s all starting to come together. Sure, I’m sad to leave Rouse and everything with it behind, but I have my whole life ahead of me and nothing’s holding me back. School is a choice now, everything I do is my choice. I’m going to have so many new freedoms and I can’t wait to explore them.

    I’m especially sad to leave newspaper behind. I’ve been Editor in Chief of the Raider Rumbler for two years and it’s going to be strange to end that part of my life. Freshman year, I was recruited into newspaper and I’ve been part of it ever since. It’s interesting to leave my position behind, but I’m excited to see where the underclassmen go with it and I’m looking forward to continue to moving on with my life and career.

    Thank you to everyone who helped me succeed in high school. I’m grateful to have attended such a great school that had so much to offer. I’m ready to take my knowledge and keep on thriving. Goodbye Rouse.