High school has truly been a roller coaster ride filled with unforgettable experiences and valuable lessons that I’ve learned over the course of my four years. From the excitement of new beginnings to the challenges that pushed me to grow, this journey has shaped who I am today. Whether I find myself enjoying high school or not, one common thread I’ve heard from teachers, friends, and even family is that it all goes by in the blink of an eye. This realization has taught me the importance of savoring every moment while I still can. In this article, I want to share some of the key experiences and events that have significantly influenced my time at Madison High School, offering you an insightful behind-the-scenes look at my journey and the memories that I will carry with me long after graduation.
Freshman year served as my introduction to the high school experience, filled with key moments that would define the next four years of my life. From the excitement of my first day of school to the thrill of attending my first football game, these experiences laid the foundation for my high school adventure. When I asked my friend, Junior Matt Lutz, about his most memorable moment from freshman year, he shared, “Freshman year field day was the best day of freshman year, and I loved when we played dodgeball.” This is a big moment for your freshman year as it’s a day spent with only your grade which is an unusual moment for high school.
Sophomore year is often what I would describe as the disappointment of the high school experience. This year felt overwhelmingly focused on work, with the pressures of academics weighing heavily on me. However, one bright spot was finally getting my permit, which felt like a significant milestone. When I spoke with fellow students like Justen Morales, he reflected on his own experience, saying, “The best six hours of my sophomore year was spent with Carmen,” referring to the valuable six hours of driving practice he completed to earn his learner’s permit. Those moments of driving represented a small taste of freedom amidst the challenges of the year.
Junior year brought the most significant ups and downs of my entire high school experience. One of the highlights was the Vietnam Memorial field trip for my history class, which left a lasting impression on me. This year also marked a time when friend groups solidified, and I could feel my entire grade growing closer as we approached the end of our high school journey.
To see the senior experience watch the following embedded video: