My Last First Day of School

I don't have my outfit picked out yet, (though, know that is my next task) I don't have my lunch packed in my princess lunch box, I'm not going to hug my mommy goodbye on my way out the door, and I don't have the same nerves I had when I was in kindergarten, on my way to my first, first day of school. (I'm nervous about making this year great, not so much about making friends).

I don't necessarily remember that first, first day, but it did seem to go fast. I remember sitting on my letter on the circle rug, I remember the solo I had in the third grade musical, I remember the 5th grade rose walk and playing survivor during recess. I remember the first day of middle school, the stripped shirt that I was wearing, and the way I couldn't sleep the night before. I remember my dad telling me that nerves were normal and that the next time I would have those butterflies would be the night before I left for college. He was right - go figure. I remember where I was when I heard the news on 9/11, and my first spanish class, I remember getting in trouble during gym for standing at the opposite end of the field talking to Cayla, I remember the field trip to the space center and our science dissections. I remember the slushies at lunch, Inspector Johnson, Ms. Grey's turtlenecks, and Getzel the Pretzel. I remember my first homecoming week assembly, I remember bonfires, football games, and friends. I remember dance drama, awkward boys, Chipotle lunches, and the freedom of being off campus. I remember OC lunch dates, AP US study parties, Christmas Parties at Steven's and movie nights all over the place. I remember going to Cherry Knolls park and knocking myself out, I remember crushes, butterflies, and excitement.

In my 16 years of schooling so far, I've had some pretty amazing times. I wouldn't trade them for the world and I will cling to those memories forever. As I begin, this last year of my school years chapter, I'm determined to make this year the best yet. I'm determined to put aside the job worrying and wondering, I'm determined to put aside the reservations, (to a certain extent) I'm determined to be a confident, assertive, and true to myself. It's going to take courage, strength, and determination, but here goes nothing!