Amanda Northamanda North: Exciting unknown looms ahead

Ah, high school. Yes, it is true; some great memories are created during these amazing four years. When freshman year comes around, you feel as though your entire school career has led up to this. You’re going into the big times now.

Ironically, you get a similar feeling as you approach the end of your senior year and your future looms ahead.

High school always seemed to be glorified by the older generations, making your wait unbearable. In the beginning of your high school career you don’t know where to start, and the thought of high school sends chills down your spine – so many sporting events to make it to, so little time.

Choosing your classes seems like such a critical crossroad. Do I want to be an artist or a chemist? As the semesters go by, you feel yourself becoming wiser. You get to know the teachers and the swing of things. It becomes more comfortable.

Looking back, you question your previous fear of the unknown. By mid-high school career, you thrive on the feeling of knowing how to cope. You are no longer new to this, but you aren’t nearly done, either.

The upper-classmen made you envious of what they had accomplished. You admired what they had done, making a mark on the school, but as your years come to a close, you feel the need to excel above them.

You want to be remembered, whether it be a banner for a state championship, your work of art hanging on the walls, your name as the new record holder – anything, just anything is fine.

It feels, after a few years, you know it all. You know everything there is to know about this place.

The once unknown territory now belongs to you. As the end approaches, and the question of “what now?” arises, you have a whole new feeling of anxiety with a wave of excitement. You seem to have had the world at your fingertips, being head of the roost.

Now that it is winding down, it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you, despite the counselor’s help. Senior year, you find yourself doing some normal routine, then stopping to realize that this will be the last time you will do this. It’s hard to swallow the fact that this is the last time you will play on this field or court with this particular group of people.

You tend to cling onto every last moment, making sure that your last will be your best. This is easy, since you have had four years to grow and learn.

Ah, high school. You learn and grow a lot. You have had many good times, but standing here on the finish line, you are looking forward to the rest of your life, many good times to be had, and many reality checks just right around the corner.

You feel a familiar gut feeling, the fear and excitement of the unknown.