I’m sorry to say it, but I am going to start this off with probably some of the cheesiest song lyrics of all time. However, every single word in this song is so true.
In “For Good” from “Wicked,” it says, “I’ve heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return. Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you.”
This song is the epitome of graduating.
Whether we knew it or not, every single person in this school has made an impact on each other’s lives.
It’s funny to think back to how I was when I first walked in the doors of Blue Valley freshman year. I remember the awkward, yet awesome spirit tunnel we had on the way in. I remember how small I felt compared to the upperclassmen. I remember how nervous I was to meet new people who I would be friends with for these four years.
Now I think about how I’ll walk out of BV for the last time.
Over the course of high school, I know my friends have changed me for good.
They have brought me laughter, support, love and happiness. The relationships I have with my best friends are indescribable, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. We have gone through bad news, good news, heartbreaks and successes together — all of which formed us into the people we are.
Also, my amazing family has impacted me greatly. My mom has taught me how to organize my crazy life and to set priorities. My dad has taught me to not take no for an answer, and he is the main person who influenced me to play college soccer. My brother has taught me to not take things too seriously. And my sister has taught me more things than I can put into words — she has been the biggest role model in my life, and I know I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t have her to look up to.
The youth group family I’ve been blessed with has definitely changed me for good. St. Michael’s was practically my second home, and I knew I could always talk to my awesome youth minister, Sara Sheerin, about anything.
Also, everyone I’ve known through soccer has impacted my life. I wouldn’t be going to Benedictine College without all my coaches’ support. They pushed me every day at practice to become a better player and person. The girls on my team have been some of my best friends over the years.
Another great part of “For Good” says, “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?”
Well, that’s another thing to keep in mind — some of the people and experiences faced throughout high school were a negative influence.
But looking back on it, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The rough times — drifting away from friends, breakups, faith-life struggles — taught me lessons and have helped form me into who I am now.
Each bad experience brought new knowledge that wouldn’t have been found otherwise. Hitting rock bottom is a good thing because from there you can only go up.
Everyone I came into contact with was an important factor in my life. Everything has led me to exactly where I am now. I’m headed on the path that is designed specifically for me.
Now it’s almost time for us seniors to start a new chapter of our lives.
Later in the song “For Good,” it says, “So much of me is made of what I learned from you. You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart.”
I can look back on high school knowing it changed me — maybe for better, maybe for worse. But either way, I will take these memories and experiences with me and open new doors of possibility.
Every friendship, every smile in the hallway, every mistake and every blessing will stay with me. These were some of the best years of my life, and I’ll will carry them with me forever.
It will be sad to say goodbye, but I will never forget the impact each and every one of you has made on me. I can gladly say because I knew you, I have been changed for good.