As my biodegradable graduation gown loosely hangs on my closet door for me to see every morning when I wake up, waiting to be worn on the day I walk down the aisle of academic completion, I am reminded of just how fast time flies.
It seems like only last month I was punching my locker, trying to get it to open because I couldn’t remember my combination, and freaking out about “missing” assignments that I just knew I turned in after procrastinating for a week (when in actuality they were crumpled at the bottom of my unorganized eggs-and-bacon tote bag).
Oh wait, that was just last month….
Nonetheless, these stressful, sleep-deprived and memorable past four years of my life that we call high school came and went faster than anticipated.
There were definitely times when I couldn’t wait until the day it was all over. The stress of struggling in certain classes sometimes got the best of me, and the work load became too overwhelming.
Math in general was never, and will never be, something I enjoy or understand, and was therefore another source of stress. I am convinced that the section of my brain that is used to solve math problems stopped developing after figuring out what two plus two equals. Aside from that, any equation concerning volume and geometric shapes, or word problems asking about the distance between point A and point B, sets my brain on overload.
I have also come to the conclusion that “Shakespearian” should count as a foreign language class. Without English teacher Molly Sargent’s tremendous help and infinite knowledge on everything concerning the English language, Hamlet would have been the death of me (well, the death of my grade in the class).
However, these academic difficulties and stresses are not what make up my overall memories of high school.
Instead, I will remember my enthusiastic journalism adviser, Greg Stobbe, and his sudden urges to break out in song during class, when everyone else was trying to focus on their work. He encouraged and motivated me to be successful in everything I do, and made sure to express that he was proud of me every time I exceeded his expectations.
I will remember Sargent’s hilarious stories about her childhood, her sarcastic sense of humor, and how with one simple comment or question a student could send her on a tangent about the most random, yet the most fascinating, things. How it is possible for one human being to know so many facts about any given subject is beyond my comprehension. However, it made going to English class the most anticipated part of my day.
I will remember my Bible class sophomore year and the controversial debates the class would get into about homosexuality, abortion and freak-dancing.
I will remember the feeling of privilege and peace that comes with the ability to pray and talk about Jesus at a Christian school, and the fellowship that originates from praying together as a student body.
Beach trips, Night of the Stars, Sadies, Monday worship chapels, homecoming, journalism trips, talent shows … the list goes on. I will remember these events, and the fun I had participating in them, for the rest of my life.
However, for me, Fresno Christian is more than academics and fun activities — it is a blessing. How awesome is it that the members of the FC staff actually pray over their students? How great is it that we are given two days out of every week to take a break from classes to spend some one-on-one time with God during chapel?
How privileged are we that we attend a school that encourages us to be the best we can be, but to do everything for the glory of God? Having teachers that love us and care about our well-being is more than most students can say about their high-school experience, and for that reason I am blessed.
I remember sitting in the journalism lab freshman year, reading through all the senior reflections of that year’s graduating class and thinking about how there would eventually come a day when I would be expected to do the same thing.
Well, that time is now. After six years of attending FC, it is my turn to say goodbye. Am I excited to be graduating? Definitely. Am I sad to be leaving? Absolutely. However, despite the sadness, I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me as I close this chapter of my life and begin a new one, making more memories along the way.
Joseph will attend the Joshua Wilderness Institute at Hume Lake Christian Camps, a 12-month discipleship program that includes three international trips.
For more senior reflections, read the May 16 column, Relationships define high-school experience.
Noah Belmont • Sep 7, 2011 at 12:02 am
I liked this act the most. It was awesome!
Brandon McCormick • Sep 7, 2011 at 12:02 am
Great job, boys! This year’s Talent Show was a lot better than last years. Way to represent our school. Danny you have a really good voice. Jon Jon you are just amazing yourself!
Logan Rood • Sep 7, 2011 at 12:02 am
This was my favorite act! Danny sings amazingly. John-John did good on the guitar, too.
Cassidy Hutchins • Sep 7, 2011 at 12:02 am
You guys did amazing! I liked all the little snippets of songs; it was really cool and really well played/sung!