Coming into Millbrook High School, I was, in essence, no one. I was shy, a bit reserved, but eager to start my journey here. I was a fresh slate, sticking to groups of people from middle school who I thought would remain my friends forever. I quickly realized how this would change and decided to meet new people. Looking back, I now realize that was the best decision I ever made. It wasn't until sophomore year that I decided to get involved with something I love, something I would pursue for the rest of my time here. So, I chose track.
Sophomore year was a turning point in my life. I was a high-achieving student, I was focused towards my goals. I was inducted into French Honors Society. I was excited about joining a sports team. I was also determined to show the people around me, that I was worthy. I think that has been the one thing that I have internally struggled with, showing others that I am worthy of being someone, a friend, a role model, an achiever, a hard-worker, a fast runner.
Junior year, I was finally someone in my eyes. Joining IB, it gave me the chance to meet individuals that had the same goals as I did for the future and it placed me in an environment where we became family. I value these close relationships deep in my heart and am excited to see what the future holds for all of us. (#IBFamForever) It was during this year that I was finally feeling like I belonged somewhere, especially with the special bond I held with my track team and with IB. I was working so hard to juggle the demands of the program as well as proving myself in being a Varsity level runner. I was inducted into the National Honors Society. I was starting to think about college.
Senior year, I was coming into my last year with a positive attitude. I was thinking, "I can do this. I can finish IB. I can run faster. I can be a leader. I can succeed. I can get accepted into college." So far, all of these things have been true. In my opinion, IB wasn't nothing I couldn't handle. I learned that having a hard work ethic and positive mindset along with a tough mentality can carry you through any situation, no matter how hard.
Reflecting on the past four years, I can honestly say that it was awesome, stressful, exciting, emotional, and really fun! It was the best four years anyone could ever be given to learn, grow, mature, succeed, fail, make mistakes, be a teenager, live life with no regrets; all before the next chapter of our great lives: college. It was an experience that made life-lasting memories, full of great laughs, amazing and inspirational friends, yummy honor roll breakfasts, thrilling track meets and invitationals, an extravagant extravaganza, and epic sporting events. It was something special, something that if looked back upon 10 years from now, I would say there wouldn't be a single thing I would change. It was Millbrook that gave me a beginning. It was the teachers, coaches, mentors, role models, friends, and peers that supported me along the way. It was a Wildcat family that will sit inside my soul forever. I was Millbrook. Now, I am parting ways (this will be an emotional experience) and am looking forward to the next chapter. (Though I'm not ready yet, we still got 50 days until graduation). ;)
