Goodbye Hartland High

Allow me to paint you a picture.

4 years ago, I stepped foot in High School as a blank canvas. At 14 years old, I had yet to discover the colors which would illustrate the entirety of my time at Hartland High School. It was not long before I found myself thrown blindly into the first one, which would play a huge role in my development: DECA. This organization presented itself as a soft, light pink, laying the foundation for the picture which I would continue to paint. The individuals with whom I connected through DECA provided me with the guidance that ultimately led me to discovering my true passion for business and networking.

The next addition to my masterpiece was swimming. Now, this one had been in my life for quite a while before high school, but the true color was shown as I joined the varsity team. Swimming added a beautiful, shiny gold symbolizing the grit and perseverance which I put forth in my beloved sport. Thankfully, I will take swimming with me into the next chapter and continue to bask in the golden satisfaction which it brings into my life.

The friendships which I’ve made will live forever on my canvas in the form of a bright blue. This blue brought me tranquility through the highs and lows of these past 4 years. Without the comfort and support which my friends provided to me, I would not be the person I am today. Although we will soon be going our separate ways as we set out to fulfill our endeavors and explore what life has in store for each of us, I am confident that the bonds I formed will always remain, and my heart will inevitably grow to encompass the distance between us.

Most importantly, the presence of a vibrant green on my canvas symbolizes the personal growth which I underwent from freshman to senior year. Through mistakes and challenging situations, I am so proud of myself for the maturity and wisdom which I’ve gained. I am a completely different person from who I was 4 years ago. Entering high school as a young girl who lacked direction and clarity, I would never have expected the complete metamorphosis which transformed me into the woman that I am today.

Sprinkled in between these magnificent colors are splashes of purple. The wondrous bursts of this color represent the fond memories which will live in my heart forever. From Friday night lights, to staying after school to work on my DECA campaign, to dressing up as a hippie and dancing in front of the class in humanities, and everything in between, I have genuinely enjoyed every moment, and I will never forget them.

As I sit back and admire this work of art which is a culmination of the past 4 years, I cannot help but smile, because I wouldn’t change a single part. In saying my final goodbye to Hartland High School, I am hanging this picture on the wall to commemorate another completed chapter of my life. No matter where I go throughout this crazy journey on which I will soon embark, I will always be able to glance at the moments which I captured in this piece of art, and remember the opportunities, experiences, and relationships with which God blessed me in this part of my life that led me to where I am today