Ending and Starting

I admit I was counting down the days til graduation just like every other senior, but now that it's all over...the feeling of excitement has been shot down by a surge of nostalgia.

I always thought I'd leave Cerritos High not regretting or wanting anything; I looked forward to college, to USC, to new friends, to freedom, to a new campus, to school pride...more than anything...but I was wrong.

As the adrenaline died down from the last hectic weeks of hanging out with friends, driving out late at night, planning for college, and, of course, an unforgettable graduation ceremony, the indescribable feeling began to slowly hit me: first in annoying jabs, then in a final, lasting uppercut.

It seems like just yesterday when I first walked through the gates of Cerritos High as a freshman clueless to everything happening around me. I was hit with info on classes, credits, teacher recommendations, SATs, extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, volunteer work, grades, college applications, APs...a wild and chaotic transition from the easiness and simplicity of middle school.

There were numerous paths to take : MUN, ASB, Football, Cross Country, Track, emphasis on grades, emphasis on activities...and much more. I picked one; WE picked one; and made it through. Four years ago we walked into Cerritos High as unaware amateurs, and now we walk out as seniors hardened, experienced in the high school life and ready for the next level.

Or are we? Let's just say I ask myself this question constantly.

We leave behind our cliques, our friends, our comfort zone. The activities, academics, and relationships made during these last four years were preparations, stepping stones, for a new section of our lives, of our experiences. What we so cherished...for most of us...we leave behind in this little city called Cerritos...and move on areas across the world. Some, like me, chose to stay close to home in another part of LA...some cities up in North Cal or down south...some the east coast like Washington DC, New York, Boston...and some even overseas.

Most of us have chosen our majors - we have set our goals, our field of interests, and hopefully our careers with a simple decision. Yet in reality we're plunging into an unknown world: new schools, professors, cities, friends, relationships, etc. Our daily routines for the past four years are subject and will be subject to change, and we have to be ready for it.

And I hope I am.

But before the plunge into uncharted territory, we will spend this last summer cherishing these high school years as an unforgettable memory to us, the Class of 2008.

It was a wild ride. Let's get ready for the next one.