To new beginnings

By Abbie B

In May of 2019, about 3.6 million seniors will graduate from their high school. 82 of those students will graduate from West Jefferson High School on the 25th. Becoming eighteen and graduating high school are two major steps in the growing up process. When adults say that you grow up fast, they aren't wrong.

The problem with growing up is that it goes so fast. One day you're a typical seventeen-year old who worries about nothing more than friends and homework and the next you're eighteen and supposed to know what you're doing for the rest of your life.

Graduating is such a bittersweet feeling. You're experiencing so many of your lasts and beginning to focus on the future, where you aren't surrounded by the people who have been alongside you forever. Parting ways with many close friends is one of the bittersweet feelings during graduation. As well as venturing from the same comfort zone and routine that you've had your whole life.

As graduation approaches for so many young adults-- nostalgic, sad, proud, appreciative, and relief are just some of the many emotions that many soon-to-be high school graduates are feeling. We must keep in mind, despite the heartbreak of leaving so many wonderful things behind, we are lucky that we have something that makes saying goodbye, so painful. We must also remember that as great as the past four years have been, the next four will be some of the best of our lives. This is where are life begins-- not ends.