The Valuable Lesson I Took Away from the Class of 2022

Even in the age of rapid communication and social media, saying goodbye continues to turn someone’s world upside down and open a whole new door at the same time. It snaps you back to reality with a reminder to not take your current lifestyle for granted, as change is always somewhere nearby, whether predestined or sudden. On a bright day full of sunshine, so fitting for the occasion, the Class of 2022 finished their last day at Galloway. The unrelenting and raving wind conveyed the momentous change and impact the seniors left on the school as a whole. It’s true, there’s a lot to leave behind, but through all the learning experiences, there’s more to carry with you in life than to let go of. 

In addition to this realization, I learned a powerful lesson about enjoying the moment and being grateful for each day you have. In middle school, I was longing to be a high schooler and have the freedom to sit where I want at lunch or boast about how challenging my classes are. Now that I’m here, similar to how many seniors have felt, I regret how much time I spent wanting to be in a place in time that will come soon. We take for granted the routine aspects of student life, so the moments in which we wished for a new and different experience were actually precious because they never return, but we don’t realize this until it passes.

After viewing the parade and seeing my classmates close a chapter in their lives, I started to feel impatient to experience the excitement of graduation for myself; however, through observing everyone’s tears and what the seniors will leave behind, I realize that the true lesson is to revel in and be grateful for what may be a youthful, simple time in your life. I wish the Class of 2022 the best of luck and happiness! Furthermore, the same goes to all the upcoming senior classes for that matter, as it comes around faster than you can process saying goodbye and the start of a new beginning. 

By Katie Leslie