Kristen Kinzler

I hate to admit it, but whoever said that it all goes by in the blink of an eye was right. I mean, maybe not all of it, but certainly the good stuff. At least, that’s how the past four years have felt.

I don’t buy into the notion that high school is the best part of your life, but it is a unique part, so do your best to appreciate it for what it is. It’s going to be hard, and it’s going to be a little messy, and every failure will feel like it knocks the wind out of you. But when the good stuff comes, it will feel like you’re on top of the world.

When you’re growing up, every emotion feels so raw and vulnerable and overwhelming, and it’s worth taking it all in. Don’t let the little things pass you by. Go out of your way to seek out experiences, whether that means stepping out of your comfort zone or interacting with your classmates more or simply putting down the books in order to spend some time with your friends. Because, within the blink of an eye that is high school, I don’t remember half the things I thought would ruin my life, but I’m grateful for all the little experiences that have turned into lifelong memories.