There’s something so special about the 720 days that we spend together. There’s something even more special about the final 180 days. But it all starts with the first.
Day 1. You walk into high school completely naive of what the remaining 719 days would bring. Struggling to unlock your locker, holding your schedule like it’s a map and rushing to class to not be late. Complaining while standing in the back of the bleachers, or sitting in the front of the bus, the rite of passage for every freshman.
Day 180. It’s a new year and although you’re still an underclassman, the hallways stop feeling like a maze and you now know the shortcuts and are no longer rushing to class. You’re beginning to take harder classes but the weight of your future hasn’t kicked in yet.
Day 360. You’re finally an upperclassman. But it’s junior year, the marathon of SAT, ACT and standardized testing. All while juggling sports, work and extracurriculars and running off of energy drinks and coffee.
Day 540. It’s senior year, finally. The first half of the year is taking in your “lasts.” First last day of school, last friday night football game and last homecoming. Trying to enjoy it while completing college applications and scholarships.
Day 630. Next thing you know, it’s halfway through senior year. Senioritis is hitting. Friends are planning for next year, some are going far and some are staying close to home. Regardless, each of our lives will be entirely different next year.
Then, in the blink of an eye you’re in the single digits in the countdown to graduation. It’s all hitting in good and bad ways. Before you know it, you are parking in the senior lot for the last time, unlocking your locker for the last time, taking your last school test and hearing the last bell ring. This is day 720, the day you have been counting down since day one.
Now, here I am, writing my last article for the Laker Anchor. When I was reflecting on my 720 days, I realized that the person I was on day one and the person I am now are two completely different people. I’m grateful to have surrounded myself with friends who have shaped me into a person that I am proud of. I’m grateful to have gone to every football game, school dance and senior activity that I could have. Because of that, I will not be walking the stage on May 28 wishing I had done more, but instead I will be thinking of all the great memories and friendships I made.
So, to the class of 2026, and every class after that, my advice to you is to soak in the moments. I know that the only emotion you are feeling right now is excitement for senior year. It still hasn’t hit yet and everything feels surreal. All you can think about is graduation and getting out of high school. But time will creep up on you and before you know if, your 720 days will be done. Although it may feel like it now, you don’t have all the time in the world, so use the final 180 days to have fun, make memories and take as many photos and videos as you can. Make senior year the best year of high school and remember to enjoy it.
I’m thankful to Spring Lake for these past 720 days, and excited to enjoy my next 720.
