First Semester: Five Months in Review

Well, first semester is over. I can't believe how fast this year is going by! It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in one of those uncomfortable lawn chairs on the balcony of our cabin at Alpine watching the leaves of nearby trees rustle in the wind. How was it not just yesterday that I was waking up for the first day of senior year, excited that I finally got to ditch school uniforms once and for all (if only I had known that I would soon ditch fashion for comfort and end up alternating between three or four sweatshirts every day of the week)?

I would say, "I don't know where the time has gone!" But that would be a lie. The last five months have gone towards eleven college applications, studying for two more SATs, studying for two SAT Subject tests, and, oh yeah, school work. Late nights, early mornings, first stress headaches, and too many cups of coffee. Essays, on essays, on essays.

But these past few months have been more than just blood, sweat, and tears (although, I must confess, there were quite a few tears). I've had great times with my Sad 1D Peeps hanging out at Alpine, going to the pumpkin patch, spending Halloween together (we were mistaken for middle schoolers when we went trick-or-treating... typical), and just in our daily shenanigans. One Direction released their fifth album and--dare I mention him--Zayn *cringe* released his debut single (I'm still very bitter but I must admit that I really like the song). I started my novel(la) for creative writing/myself and I'm almost halfway finished with the first draft. And, best of all, finals are over!

There's so much to celebrate. The end of finals, the beginning of second semester, four months until graduation. I think it's safe to say that we're all nervous and excited and can't wait for the moment when we can finally give in to our senioritis and say, "Yes! We're finally done!" The beginning of the end of the year makes me sad, but also reminds me not to take this year for granted because it is the year of lasts. Last homecoming (which was INCREDIBLE! Anything that involves sea otters or marine life in general is destined to be incredible), last finals, last (first, for me) prom. Appreciate each moment while it lasts! You'll never be in high school ever again. You'll never be a teenager again. Stop trying to grow up and move on so fast. Embrace these last few months of childhood or whatever you want to call it and just enjoy it.