the "cute" entry...
In exactly two months from today, I will be moving into my new home....and I can't wait!
How Do I Say Goodbye?
As I think about this assignment, I wonder, “What is closure really all about anyway?” Is it about tying all the loose ends or telling people how you really feel about them or shedding tears?
I immediately think about all the people I know when I think about closure. There are all the seniors, every single one of you, who have gone through so many years of school together and have had lots of laughs and memories. We’ve all been waiting for this moment of closure since the time we were nervous freshman staying after for study sessions with Mr. Blakely, hiding in lockers, never skipping class, and doing ALL our homework. I know I’m not just speaking for myself when I say, “Those are distant memories.” And now, the time has come! We can think back on all those times when we discovered our true passion for the performing arts, got stuck, or reenacted getting stuck, in a tent on Grape Island, spent hours shopping for that perfect prom dress, got sparkly tans while studying for a bio final, danced the funky chicken, stayed up late to watch the Red Sox win the World Series, spent last period on a Friday staring at the clock, went to Brigham’s (instead of last period on a Friday to watch the clock), danced to techno Hava Nagila in CHem class, watched Dane Cook “rock” the AHS stage, and sprayed random people (and restaurants) with water guns. How much will we remember once we’ve left AHS? No one can say; but we’ll always have these silly and powerful memories to bring with us.
The second group of people I know I must have closure with is the underclassmen. There are so many that I know and can truly call my friends that it’s hard to leave them behind. It’s always said that younger generations hold the keys to the future and I couldn’t agree more! There are so many fabulously talented underclassmen who have been very inspiring, encouraging, and patient as they have watched the upperclassmen grow along their journeys.
But who could forget the backbone of our years in high school. Without these outstanding people, we wouldn’t know how to use a pipet or sing without breathing…ever! Or tell a long, involved story about real estate and somehow relate it to calculus or scream, “You’re cute! You’re fresh!” or write a college essay or blow up pink Peeps or dance the Hustle. Our teachers have been so brave and powerful and have brought us such a great breadth of knowledge, that they really deserve some major props.
Surrounded by so many wonderful people, I can’t imagine who or what I can good-bye to or how I can begin to let go. I have grown so much as an individual at this school, going from the shy freshman hiding in her chorus music to the Marian the Librarian senior singing her heart out. Middle school marked my dependence on music as a cure for all the stress and high emotion at that time in my life, yet high school furthered my passion. The community of performers is so strong and accepting at this school. I am truly blessed for becoming a part of it and meeting all the talented individuals I came to call my friends. I have also shared so many amazing moments on staff of the Literary Magazine, getting to work on an editing staff with four of my closest friends this year. I also had the opportunity to learn from some incredibly caring individuals about the Friends of the B.I.P. Club and couldn’t have chosen a better place to spend my free periods and work my first summer job. Finally, I’ve gotten to meet some ambitious field hockey and ice hockey players, some of whom have become my greatest friends.
Ok, so this is where my speech gets corny. Since I’m a huge fan of musicals, I couldn’t think of a better way to describe the effect all the people I have met have had on my life than using the song lyrics from WICKED. “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, but, because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” Each person I have met has left a little imprint on my heart and effected who I have become as a person. So, when I think about this idea of closure, I’m still a little confused. Because with me, despite the miles between us, the new friends we will make, and the impending experiences that will shape our next journey, there is no “good-bye,” just “see you soon.” Because you haven’t really gone away, you’re right here in my heart.
Love, *Lexie*