Although I didn’t get the “traditional” high school experience, thanks to a certain pandemic, I feel I did the best I could. New friends? Check. Boy drama? Check. High School Party? Check. Joined a Varsity Sport? Check. Ran for Homecoming Queen? Check.

What I can’t really check off, however, are the things that weren’t even on the early-00’s coming-of-age movie checklist. I got nearly all A’s (minus the one singular B in the second semester of Physics). I passed the Spanish biliteracy test somehow. I did an entire year and a half of school online and didn’t go crazy because of it.

I will be forever grateful that I went to Warren. Thanks to the amazing support staff here, I was able to create a schedule that works best for me, not the other way around. Even though it wasn’t all sunshine and dandelions, I learned to pick myself up and dust myself off.

As I’m sitting here, writing this a month before graduation, I feel bittersweet. I don’t want to leave everything I know, but I am beyond excited for what’s next. Because if I changed this much in four years, imagine what I’ll be like four years from now, having lived on my own, away from home.

To soon-to-be eighth-grade graduate Ava, you will figure things out. Everything happens for a reason and it will all work out.

To soon-to-be college graduate Ava, I wish you the best of luck and hope you still look back on high school fondly (minus the embarrassing moments).

Advice from a ’22 Senior:

DO join clubs and get involved. It’s the fastest way to make friends.

DON’T overload yourself with AP’s and extra-curricular activities. Make yourself and self-care a priority.

DO enjoy the OP cafeteria food while it lasts. Almond’s is not the same.

DON’T worry about the one F you got on a homework assignment. It will all balance out.

DO take a language. It’s such a good skill to have and will be useful in whatever career you end up in.

DON’T forget to make to most of high school. Four years really do fly by.