At least for me, this final stretch of senior year has felt completely surreal. It’s wild to think about how this is the last time I’ll be a high schooler. At times, these past few years have dragged on. But as of now? They seem like a sprint rather than a marathon, the months flying by in a mad dash to the finish line.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I’m still eagerly awaiting graduation. I find myself looking forward to the possibilities of the future.

At the same time, I’m jittery about what comes next. Commencement looms with its many uncertainties. Will my college’s campus truly become my new home? What new books will wholeheartedly capture my attention? (Feel free to send recs my way.) Will I continue to write in college? (This is my last article for The Patriot Press, whoa.)

May has always stood alone as distinct amid my high school career. With its AP tests and final exams, warm weather and sun, it has always felt…different. Not in a good or bad way, just in that way.

I’m thrilled for the future, both good and bad. I’m mourning the past, both good and bad.

I love high school graduation. I hate high school graduation. I love and hate high school graduation, all at the same time.