Growing Up and Moving On

I don’t really know how to start this, and I know it’s cliche, but I really can’t believe I’m graduating. I’m the type of person who cries at the end of every school year because I won’t have the same teachers as the year before, but I just know I’m gonna be a disaster at the end of this year because I don’t like change, and this is a pretty big one. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so excited for college, but it’s so scary thinking I’m preparing for the rest of my life, and I probably won’t be back in this school…at least until my sister’s in high school in two years.

Over my time here at Knoch High School, I’ve learned how to grow as a person and have really started to find myself. I’ve come out of my shell a ton, so I’m reflecting on my time here.

Starting freshman year, back when we didn’t have to walk through metal detectors to get into school, I kept to myself. There were a few people I would talk to, but I would never hang out with anyone outside of school, or really do anything ever. I went to school, did my homework, went to dance, came home, slept, and did it all again the next day. It was honestly really not fun and never easy because I barely talked to anyone.

Sophomore year, I was pretty much the same person, never doing anything after school or on the weekends and keeping to myself. Then covid hit, and I honestly loved it. Don’t get me wrong, covid was terrible, but it allowed me to start becoming more myself and start to not care about what people thought of me. I was forced to spend so much time with myself that I started to realize my values in life and started to understand and stand up for myself.

Junior year, I switched my hair to a middle part, got my braces off, and started wearing contacts instead of glasses. I was acting more and more like myself…except at school. I was still the quiet girl who barely ever talked or participated in class. That was also the time when we were doing the hybrid schedule, and the only people I talked to in school were in the A-K group. School dragged on for the most part, but the year got better as it went on. My favorite class was definitely newspaper because it was fun, I didn’t have to worry about anyone judging me, and it was the class where I made the most friends.

Senior year has been the best year by far. I got back into cheer, I joined yearbook, became editor in chief of the newspaper, was a member of the National Honor Society, and got closer with my friends. I no longer am scared to be myself, and I really have grown to appreciate who I am.

I’ve spent so much time in Ms. Thompson’s room over my four years in high school, approximately 1,192 hours and 12 minutes, give or take (yes, I sat here and did the math. Don’t check my math teachers; I’m in finance math). I’m so grateful for Ms. T and her openness to everyone. Her room was always a safe space for me to relax and get away from the stress of the school day, and it’s what I’m going to remember the most about high school. I’m going to miss spending 75% of my day in here. And let’s not forget the back room. I think a lot of students have had their fair share of crying in that room, including me. It’s always there for you when you’re going through difficult times, and I’ll always be grateful for that because I hate crying in front of people, even though I literally just cried at Sam’s article three minutes ago.

I’d like to shoutout some of the people closest to me. First I’d like to shoutout the newspaper girlies, Ava, Sam, and lastly, my co-editor, Paige. Thank you guys for being the best friends. I’ll miss our days of talking all first period and constantly turning in our articles late. Maybe this summer we’ll actually hang out like we were going to during winter break haha. I’d also like to thank Jared for also being there for me no matter what. Lastly, my parents. I really do appreciate all you guys do for me. It does not go unnoticed.

Going full circle and ending with another cliche, take advantage of your time here. I know it can be difficult at times, but try your best to enjoy it, even if you hate being here. Do well in your classes, but don’t stress yourself out too much; it’s not worth it. Appreciate your teachers; they truly do care about you. Also, I’m being a hypocrite, but don’t procrastinate. I’m turning in this article like almost every other one I’ve written this year…late. Goodbye Knoch High School.

Yours truly,

Natalie Totterdale

Editor in Chief