June 12, 2020
Starting high school, I was anxious about what I’d do with all the possibilities suddenly available. To cope, I set the following goals for myself: earn good grades, get into college and make a few memories along the way.
Don’t get me wrong; these things all happened. Still, there was no way I could have predicted the thousands of unexpected moments that occurred during my four years at LHS. I’m not talking about earth-shattering, life-changing events; I mean that it’s the seemingly trivial things, like the person I chose to have lunch with every day and the clubs I joined on a whim that have made me who I am.
For example, there was The Lighthouse. I was always interested in writing, but I was prepared to let journalism pass me by completely until I got the chance to take it as an elective last year. Instantly, I knew I’d found a place where my curiosity could shine and passion for writing could flourish.
By the end of my junior year, I had become more confident in myself and my voice, so I applied for and received the position of editor-in-chief. It has been a remarkable honor. Making decisions for something I consider so important—this publication—has taught me about responsibility and thoughtfulness, and what it’s like to wield these skills.
I’m a person who’s not afraid to let my experiences shape me. Being an editor-in-chief has certainly done just that.
However, when I reflect on high school, there are so many impactful experiences that come to mind: driving and blasting music with my best friends, going to a last-minute concert on Jones Beach, band trips that took me from Disney World to D.C. I think of my first job, of taking the SATs four times, of Friday night football games in the band section and of sitting in the Colonial Diner at midnight on my 16th birthday.
And although my high school years are not meeting a traditional end, I’ve learned to make peace with things not happening as I expect them to. After all, I went on seven different college tours but wound up picking a school I’ve never visited: The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where I will be a student of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
While I’m not exactly sure where my studies will take me, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to explore my options in one of the most influential cities in the world.
I’m a person who’s not afraid to let my experiences shape me. Being an editor-in-chief has certainly done just that.
As both my senior year and tribute come to a close, I’d like to take the time to mention a few people who have affected me as a person and student. First, thank you to The Lighthouse adviser Ms. Pastor, whose guidance and knowledge have never led me astray.
I’d also like to thank band director Coach Dellosa and Italian teacher Mr. Raguseo for being my favorite teachers to talk to, guidance counselor Mr. Rowland for all his help through the college admissions process and every English teacher I’ve ever had for encouraging my passion for words and writing. Last but not least, I thank my family and friends for their endless support and love.
I write this in a time of uncertainty, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused global panic. This means I’m unsure about where the future will take me and what it will look like when I get there. Fortunately, I can say I’m no longer intimidated by the thought of the unknown and infinite possibilities as I was when I started high school. Instead, I’m excited about the prospect of the future, because my high school experiences have made me a person ready to face anything.
