2021. The year I’ve looked forward to for the longest time is finally here. I remember freshman year thinking it wouldn’t come quickly, but here we are. Trying to fit my experience during these past four years on this page is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. I’ve learned more than I thought I was going to, and the funny thing is, it has nothing to do with academics at all.

Although high school has taught me life skills that have equipped me for the future, I have learned more about myself than anything — my passions, true friends, strengths, etc.

I found out freshman year that gym was my favorite class and taking all hon- ors was not the most welcoming way to enter high school.

Sophomore year I learned how to deal with friendships that didn’t always turn out the way I wanted them to.

Junior year I figured out what time management looks like, and sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do in order to chase after the things you do.

But out of all my years of high school, senior year has taught me the most — kind of ironic that I’ve gained the most out of a year where I also lost the most. Even through a pandemic and online school, we have all managed to make it to the end of high school (kinda almost).

As my time in high school is coming to a close, I can’t help but be grateful for every single day of it — the good and the terrible. They have all forced me to become the person I am today and have bettered me in so many ways.
I have found my true friends and realized time with family is so valuable.
I learned if you are there for others in their hard times, people will be there for you in yours. I learned hard work goes a long way, and there is something positive in every situation. But most of all, I have learned that spreading kindness to others is the best thing you can do here at BV.

I would so much rather be known as the girl who made someone feel known and loved than a 4.0 student-athlete. And if it took me four years to realize that, then high school was totally worth it.

Although I’m headed to an out-of- state school next year, I will never forget my time here at Blue Valley and all it has taught me. I am so excited for this next chapter of my life.

Thank you Class of 2021 for every- thing — you will always have a special place in my heart.