by Camdyn Williams The very thought of becoming a high school senior can be daunting. The school year itself is not scary, but what follows after is. After graduation, you either search for higher education or you enter the workforce, becoming a true adult and taking the responsibilities that come with it. To most kids my age, including myself, it feels like time is going way too fast, like an out of control freight train that has no intention of stopping. Honestly it’s all so much to think about, it’s a wonder we haven’t gone crazy. With that in mind, I wondered how to ease the anxieties of growing up, and came up with the idea to speak about our experience as a high school student, so that it doesn’t feel like it’s already over. A few of my classmates and myself have piled together a few of our favorite memories of Allen High School, as well as some personal feelings about becoming a senior, which I’ll be sharing with you here.

Keenan Walker dreads graduation, but simultaneously feels well prepared for what’s ahead. He gives credit to Mrs. Costner, our high school counselor, for being such a great support. He says that she was always there to help him out of a bind, and gave great advice regarding his education. I agree, because she’s been right there with me too. Now his high school experience wasn’t exactly traditional, as he spent most of freshman and sophomore year taking class online away from campus. This of course was due to covid-19. With the pandemic on the rise, he

continued Page 2 felt that it would be safest for his family and himself to stay home. During his leave, he felt the absence of his friends the most, and believe me when I say we felt his absence too. So when he returned for good junior year, we were elated. Finally back at school he was able to participate in his extracurriculars FCCLA and academics. With FCCLA, he learned speaking and leadership skills that he will carry with him for the rest of his life, and he proved to be very successful in competitions. In academics, it really didn’t matter if any games or tournaments were won, the trips themselves were always fun, and a great excuse to get out of class. A favorite memory of his was when he was caught cheating on a test in Mr. Sanders science class. He hadn’t noticed that Mr. Sanders was approaching, so you can imagine his fright when Mr. Sanders appeared right in front of him, leaning over his desk while he copied down answers. Keenan said that never before had he felt such fear in his life, but now looks back on it in good humor.

Maebrey Wallace had admitted that the idea of senior year frightened her beyond comprehension. She doesn’t want to leave, and she doesn’t want this chapter of her life to be over either. She expressed that she’ll miss us, her friends I mean, and if i’m going to be completely honest, I’ll miss her so, so much too. It’s scary, thinking that you’re leaving behind all that you’re familiar with and going out on your own. Logically she and the rest of us will not be alone, we’re all making this change together, but it doesn’t feel that way. On a lighter note at least, she’s excited to become a role model for underclassmen. Maebrey always looked up to the seniors, and they were always there to provide her with advice, especially in softball. Now she wants to do her best to help any younger students that need assistance this year. Moving on to her activities, she takes Ag, softball, academics, and basketball. She’s very well accomplished, and takes pride in all that she’s involved with. She always gives 100% on the field, court, or in competitions, and she plays to win. Her favorite memories include making lots of new friends on Ag trips and competitions, and any time she’s tripped and fallen while playing softball, funny to look back on, but exceedingly frustrating in the moment.

Brooklyn Sanders understood that change was difficult and she’s afraid to start all over again. Nevertheless, she’s looking forward to one final year with her friends. She felt that Allen High School had been really good to her, it’s all she’s ever known, since, like many others, she grew up here. She’s a team player, which is easy to see if you’ve ever watched any of her softball or basketball games. It’s been important to her to show kindness and respect to all of her fellow classmates, so you’ll never meet anyone half as friendly as her. Her parents, who both teach here, have influenced her the most. She says that she looks up to her mother’s compassion and her father’s work ethic, traits she plans to carry with her into adulthood. Her favorite memories took place in our Junior year math class. She said in quote “I enjoyed it so much because we were given the freedom to communicate with each other and just grow closer as a class.”

She remembers her friend’s happiness in glimpses, and says she’ll keep those moments close to her heart, even if she couldn’t remember the exact time in places. This helps her remember high school will always be a great time in her life.

If I were to describe my own high school experience in one word, I’d probably call it trepidatious. Classes can be difficult and people can be scary. I grew up an all A student but when I reached high school that was not the case. Sometimes you can try your hardest to study and prepare for a test or subject and your grades still won’t turn out perfect. It took me a long time to learn that it was okay as long as you tried your best, and that a few messy test scores were not going to haunt me in the future.

At the end of the day my friends made it bearable. I felt I always had their complete support. I think overall the time I spent with them is my favorite memory, and if we were to grow apart like most high school friendships do, I’d keep them with me always. I’ll make one last shout out to Mrs. Costner, who I feel without her the school would collapse upon itself. She has been the best advisor I’ve had throughout these last four years, and I know that because of her help I’ll be ready to face what’s ahead of me.

In the end I guess we’ll miss the whole high school experience, this time of our life has slipped through our fingers.