Reflection (If I'm already this sad for the end of junior year, I can only imagine what graduation will be like)

Of all the years in high school, I can say that, yes, junior year has been the best. It started off great; I got my braces off, became much closer to my best friends, and took classes that I love. First semester grades were good, and I was pleased with my standardized tests. Although the past few months have felt more stressful and much more demanding than any in my high school career, requiring me to juggle intensified school work, soccer three times a week at the least, and extracurricular activities requiring my leadership, taking a step back I realize that it is preparing me for not only senior year but also college; and this I greatly appreciate. I can also say that throughout this year I have matured. Maybe this is in part of my heightened independence since I got my license or the self-disciplinary actions to resist temptations when I need to study, but nonetheless I am appreciative. If I was asked which high school year I would re-live (mind you, not re-do), my answer would be "junior year" without a hesitation. And yes, I will be honest and say that this is heavily due to the social aspect. By junior year, kids know most of their peers and they narrow their social groups to those who are alike them intelligence-wise, morally, politically, socio-economically, and with similar goals in life. Sure, I might hang out with the same 50 kids over and over again, but I'm comfortable around them so there are no complaints. I prefer this way over changing friend groups every other week, which was not uncommon in elementary school (and for some this dead-line has been extended to...high school?..) This year I have also learned to be more tolerant and manage my stress. Whether its a foul-player on the other team tripping me to get the ball, a rude driver cutting me off, or an impatient friend, I have realized that there is no need to get worked up about little things such as these because they pass like leaves in the wind. Life really is too short, 17 years have gone by in a blink of an eye, so there is only room to enjoy it. I cant imagine the emotions I will feel when graduating high school because though most don't know it, almost every single individual in the Academy has had an impact on my life (the majority of them pleasant or constructive!) and even quite a few outside of the realms of our little bubble. Whether it is solely junior year, or a collection of instances that have just boomed back into my head this year (especially during my reflections due to the looming prospect of colleges) I have learned to appreciate what I have. I have a wonderful family, awesome friends and boyfriend, great opportunities handed to me each and every day, and even with the burden of stress there is not a single reason why I shouldn't be satisfied. Sure one could say, "well, silvia dont you wish you had REALLY began valuing your luck before this year?" but in truth, I think this is an appropriate time because it really solidifies my appreciation- i have seen plenty of instances that other people around me have suffered or simply experienced and that, added with the mental maturity that has formed, makes it all the more real to me. Honestly, I am really going to miss junior year, and although everyone always tells me that college will put high school to shame, so far I don't see a single reason why not to appreciate what I already have instead of wasting my present time waiting for the future. After all, the things I do now and learn today are going to shape that future. Bye-bye junior year, it's been awesome. *tear tear sniffle sniffle