We started counting down the days to our freedom the moment senior year began, and now, after nine long months, we’re down to eight. Eight days until we officially start the adventure that is life after high school.

But now that we’re here, I can’t help but think, why the rush?

In the great hurry to graduate, life became a race to complete milestone after milestone. We were always looking for the next thing to conquer and losing the beauty of ordinary days in our quest.

As exciting as college is, I wish I would’ve taken more time to enjoy each moment of high school–to not count the days but make each day count, as my coach Julie Castles so wisely advised me.

I thank God for letting me grow up in Archer City, Texas, for all the wonderful people He placed in my life and for all the memories I’ve made.

I don’t want to leave my parents, my brother, my cousins, my friends, my teachers, everything that makes this place home. But, I know they have all shaped me into who I am today and who I am meant to be, and as I look back, I am so thankful for everyone God placed on my journey.

To my family, whose love and support carried me through all my ups and downs, moving five hours away from you is incredibly hard. I’ll miss you all so much, but I know you’ll always have my back no matter where I am.

To my friends, I am so blessed to have met you all. Some of us have been together for the last 13 years, and it’s hard to think we won’t be seeing each other every day next year. I wish each of you the best in all of your endeavors.

To my coaches, thank you for pushing me to be my best and teaching me how to set and reach my goals. Thank you to my teammates. Y’all are seriously the best, and it’s going to be so weird not running out onto the court/field with y’all next year.

To my amazing teachers, thank you so much for not only teaching, but encouraging and guiding me as well. You’ve had such a great impact on my life, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without you.

To all you future seniors, cherish this time while you have it. In the midst of keeping up with your classes, meeting the demands of athletics, band, etc. and figuring the whole college/future thing out, remember to enjoy being in high school. You don’t get this time back.