As cliche as it might sound, time does fly. As a freshman, I used to think, “four years is a long time.” As a senior, I now realize how fleeting life is. For these past four years, I’ve found myself stressing over any minor inconvenience, often forgetting to focus on the present. Most of my time was spent dwelling on the past, regretting a multitude of choices or panicking about the future and what I’m supposed to do with the rest of my life. Today, I know that there is no moment like the present. In life, we will make mistakes, we will experience anxiety over what’s to come, but none of these should take away from today’s joy. After all, life goes on, and despite the challenges high school has brought me, it has also pushed me to be better and shaped who I am today.
Walter Johnson has been a blessing, if anything. As an immigrant, when I first moved to the US, I thought I would never make friends. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I have met some of the best, most welcoming people of my life. Especially in the Pitch. That is one decision I don’t regret. Joining the Pitch has been one of the best opportunities presented to me. Not only have I grown as a writer, but it has also pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people. The Pitch community is unlike any other. The emphasis on teamwork and mutual respect within the Pitch is representative of the school as a whole. One of the things I value the most at WJ is the respect toward and celebration of different cultures and backgrounds.
My fear of being pointed at because of my accent or the way I speak English has turned into pride in where I come from and curiosity to learn from others’ backgrounds as well. Instead of being ashamed of who I am, the mistakes I have made, or my flaws, high school has taught me to embrace who I am and simply enjoy the process of learning and growth. I am beyond grateful for the experience I had at WJ and I know it can only get better from here, not only for me but for the whole class of 2025. I wish everyone the best of luck, and I am forever thankful for those who have been nothing but inviting and hospitable to me.
