Lana Ko Week 16: Last Bell

 I still remember a time when graduating was a million years away. However, with senior year approaching I can’t help but think about all the memories being in  high school as granted me. 

Graduation is one of those milestones in life that feels like both the end and beginning of something big. I often think back to my first days at American. I was so nervous walking through the unfamiliar path while looking at unfamiliar people. Everything was strange and new, but with time these strangers became my closet friends. These school walls have seen my triumphs, inside jokes, heart breaks, and shared meals. 

What makes graduation so bittersweet for me is not just the ceremony. It is the realization that this chapter is closing. I am the type of person that has never liked change, and although this school has costed me many nights of sleep and countless stressed out days it is something that is so ingrained within my life. Giving all of that up seems so s
cary.

At the same time, graduating is filled with so much hope. It launches you into adulthood. Whether that looks like college, a job, or something completely different. We have a valuable moment right now. We are surrounded by people that will live such different lives than us and that is so eye opening.

Anyways, I encourage who ever is reading this to enjoy whatever is left of school. Take in our high school experiences because it goes by so fast, but the memories may last forever.


Comments

  1. Samyukta KulkarniMay 21, 2025 at 8:47 PM

    Hello Lana, I found your blog this week to be incredibly relatable, as I have been thinking a lot about graduation lately as well. It slightly frightens me that as of next Wednesday, we will be the oldest students at school. I have always looked up to my upperclassmen and always thought of graduation and senior year as a foreign, future event but now that junior year is coming to a close, it is fast approaching. I appreciate your outlook on graduating high school and the opportunities it presents. Just as this chapter closes, another opens and it is the perfect opportunity to continue growing, meet new people, and have unique experiences. Thank you for all of your amazing and creative blogs and I enjoyed reading your work this year!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anthony ZhouMay 21, 2025 at 9:33 PM

    Hi Lana. This week I’ve been trying to put myself into the seniors’ shoes, and trying to imagine how it must feel to embark in a new chapter in life where you’re placed in a brand new environment with new people and new challenges. I wonder if the folks graduating right now feel intimidated by the prospect of adapting to their new environment in college or if they view college as another repetitive and monotonous part of their education.

    As you mentioned, reflecting back on how you developed throughout these middle school to high school years can be extremely overwhelming. 9th-grade me would have never expected myself to grow and change into me today, and be able to make all the friends and memories I have. It’s important to cherish these memories but also to look forward into the future, since time isn’t waiting for us to get stuck in the past.

    I’ve really enjoyed all your blogs this semester, and I’m glad to have been able to be part of your cohort this semester!

    ReplyDelete

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