Is This It?

Throughout my short lifetime, there have been a number of occurrences in which I have been fascinated by the way life has unfolded. This weekend was one of those times.

In the midst of completing the projects due Monday and volunteering for six hours, I was able to still find time to listen to music. This morning, while reclining in an armchair, I found myself contemplating about life – specifically junior year – while listening to Kid Cudi's station on Pandora. After going through my fondest memories of this year, I found myself asking, "Is this it?" And as fate would have it, the next song that started playing was "Someday" by The Strokes, which is off their album "Is this it?" I was so utterly awed by the coincidence that I truthfully believed it was by divine intervention (Really, how many similarities do Kid Cudi and The Strokes share?), and I used the vestige as an excuse to spend more time thinking about the past year.

I'm not one to deem a year as great or awful. I believe that every year is a learning experience, and that as long as you've gained new knowledge, your year was a success. Junior year was definitely a successful year.

Upon entering this year of school, I expected to barely make it through. I anticipated mountainous amounts of homework and multiple tests each week, topped off with preparation for standardized tests. I was surprised (pleasantly so) to find that most of the information I had received was hyperbole. Yes, junior year was a huge leap in regards to work, but it wasn't some unsurmountable task. I still made it through with a fair amount of success. I feel confident in my abilities as a student and I have learned that natural talent will only get you so far. Hard work and dedication are key for every aspect of life.

I find it very fortunate that English class required a good deal of writing this year. For the most part, the type of writing that Mr. Logsdon assigned us was outside my comfort zone. However, I believe that throughout the course of the year my skills as a writer have improved, which is something I am quite thankful for.

The biggest accomplishment of this year has been my growing maturity. I learned to come out of my shell more and as a result, I have been more active in clubs and have made more friends.