The Beginning of the End for the Class of 2013

The excitement of a new school year peaked this week as students from K through 12 returned to class.

At Adams High School, the energy is almost tangible as the colorful crowds of students traverse the hallways. A sea of purple T-shirts stands out the most, marking the junior and senior mentors would love to help any lost freshmen. Gaggles of girls congregate, chattering about their new teachers and the careful decision-making that went into their first day outfit choices. In the senior area, a mass of students linger around the "senior benches," marveling that summer is already over and school is upon us.

For the class of 2013, today marks the beginning of a fantastic year, rife with many freedoms. I for one, am blown away that my final year of high school is already underway. I can still recall the first day of my freshman year, sitting in the very back of Mr.Mullin's 5th hour World History class. He had commented on my new, short haircut in comparison to the long locks shown in my school picture from the previous year on his class seating chart. The entire class turned to look at me, as if the difference a summer had made could be seen on my face. I burned crimson under the sudden attention, making for an unforgettable moment. Who was that girl, embarrassed at the attention of her classmates, three long years ago? Certainly not I! In every way, shape and form that girl no longer resembled myself -- in appearance, maturity, wisdom, kindness and experiences I easily surpass her, that naive version of myself three long years ago. And yet, this year has begun like every other: fresh school supplies to prep for a new schedule, students chattering about teachers and lunches, and the feeling of omnipresent aversion to the homework that will inevitably be assigned.

But despite all the same feelings, senior year does present some perks which make it a year to look forward to. The prospect of driving to school is a privilege allotted to both juniors and seniors, which almost every senior takes advantage of. This will be the second year that I've driven my beautiful baby (Honey the Honda) to school, parking in the lower lot every morning. One privilege which is exclusive to seniors is the open-campus lunch. Even in the torrential rain this afternoon, I trekked to Subway with a car full of friends to partake in this tradition. Drenched by the rain, we returned to school, relishing the freedom that we have dreamed of for so long.

Aside from all the excitement, I can feel the looming presence of college applications wherever I go. Loyola, U of M, UNC, Columbia, Grand Valley, Northwestern -- the list goes on. Each with incredible opportunities, each with certain drawbacks. But most of all, each taking at least an afternoon spent in essay writing and filling out forms. No matter how you piece it all together, college applications equate to stress.

For now, I've decided not to worry about the pesky task of applying to college. My final year in high school shouldn't be spent worrying about deadlines that are two months off. Surely, I should manage my time well, but for now, I celebrate the beginning of a thrilling new year. To the class of 2013, I look forward to the moments we won't forget, the fun that we'll recall fondly at our reunion in 10 years down the road. Let's make the most of it all, right from the very start.