Never Miss An Opportunity

Hello, class of 2025

Now that I am graduating from this school and moving on, I can reflect on the things that I wished to do or what I have actually been able to accomplish. High school has been a learning experience of growth, challenges, and a lot of memories in between. Looking back, I can understand that although I most likely did not take every opportunity that I would have liked to, I was able to become the person I am today from my failures or achievements in high school.

My best experience at high school has been the friends I made through sports. I did baseball and football, but the friends I made when doing football were that much closer. I am actually happy that I played football in high school. My favorite memories are of playing and practicing with these guys. Whether it was on the field, winning, or even picking up something out of our losses, these moments that I will always cherish. They’ve taught me just how important it is to have good teamwork, determination, and the power of being a team. Football specifically helped to demonstrate to me just how much a work ethic is worth, and it’s changed the way I see tasks in front of me.

In high school, I dedicated myself to welding, improving myself, and preparing for a future in the trade. One of my biggest disappointments, however, was not taking the opportunity to go to LRTC. I regret that I did not take advantage of an opportunity to go to LRTC to learn welding. I thought it would take too long and I just could not have the same teacher for 3 periods, and now, since I am stubborn, I am stuck on the fact that I did not enroll in the class that would get me to where I need to be. It’s a reminder that sometimes you don’t know how good the opportunity is until the chance to do it has passed. As I proceed into the next stage of my life as a welder, I carry with me the things that I have learned during high school. Specifically, I carry most of the things that I’ve learned through the course of shop class and athletics.

After leaving this prison, I’d like to leave some words of advice. Join a club, try a sport out if you haven’t, see if you like any trades, as they will be there forever. Try it even if you’re not certain. You only get one chance. I’m glad that I made great relationship in sports, especially football. The friends I’ve made throughout high school won’t last a lifetime, but memories last a lifetime, and the things I’ve learned from my shop teachers, my coaches, and some of my friends will continue to steer me on my path to my next chapter in life. Thank you.

“welding” by dawnnakaya is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.