My time here at Southport hasn’t always been amazing. I’ve gone through many phases, from, “I can’t wait to graduate” to “This year is going by too fast. I’m not ready yet” and everything in between.

Overall, my high school experience has been one to remember. I feel like I’m a completely different person than I was my freshman year.

I’ve learned what I’m passionate about, how to be a leader, how to connect with people and so much more.

Take risks, join the clubs you never thought you would and talk to the people who you never thought you could be friends with. You never know what you’ll get out of them.

I never planned on joining The Journal. I never even took journalism, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Of the many things I’ve taken away, the biggest thing I’ve learned is that my actions have an effect on those around me.

It showed me what it’s really like to flourish as a team.

I also joined speech and debate, which allowed me to express myself and who I am. Not only that, but it taught me to overcome my fear of talking in front of people, something that took me a long time to get comfortable with.

To all the incoming seniors, the best choice I ever made was to open up and be the person underclassmen can look up to. I’ve made lifelong friends this way, and honestly, it made my senior year that much better.

Every class and every teacher has added a piece to the puzzle that makes me who I am. I am forever grateful to every experience and person who has set me up for success in my future adventures.