Senior Sentimentality

The question “Where do you want to go to college?” turning into “Where are you going to college?” is a good indicator that my senior year is coming to an end. Even though this signals forthcoming opportunities for the graduating class, there are undertones of redolence and anxiety tainting the excitement. I find myself looking at everyone I know, from my teachers to the local Starbucks employees, and I can’t help but think “I’m going to miss you.”

I can safely say I never anticipated having this attitude. For three years, anything familiar to me only reminded me of how much I wanted to leave the area. Getting as far away as possible was my goal. This was not out of resentment, but out of a desire to fulfill my potential and quell my curiosities. I grew bored of my high school responsibilities, which seemed so trivial compared to the world of possibility out there.

Such imminent change, however, has provoked a complete juxtaposition of my original feelings. For example, positions for next year’s newspaper staff were recently released. Though I was thrilled for all the new leaders, a wave of intense sadness washed over me. I didn’t feel ready to give up my position just yet; as silly as it was, I had thoughts of staying on as a super-senior of sorts.

I’m not expecting many underclassmen to understand my nostalgia. I wouldn’t even have understood it a mere eight months ago; this is a state of mind whose onset can only be provoked by the threat of parting. Nonetheless, I advise everyone to appreciate their time here to the fullest extent. Life in Palos Verdes may seem tedious now, but it is important to acknowledge that these people and this place have all played an integral part in shaping us, and that’s a beautiful thing.