We spent 12 years of our lives with our heads in the books, studying to get good grades in order to avoid getting in trouble with our parents. Since we were little, we would hear about this place called high school and see it portrayed differently on T.V. or in movies. We would wonder if we would fit in or be an outcast. Would we crack under stress and bad influences? Or stay on the high road and be popular?

Twelve years later, we are now graduating. The final chapter, before stepping into what we call the adult world, is coming to a close.

Seniors, we have survived.

Life at the high

Four years at Miami High, what have we not experienced? There have been fights and drama. We have met people we love and people we hate. Friendships have been established that will last us for the rest of our lives. We have trusted in people who have grown apart from us—proving that people come and go, to either teach us a lesson or help us grow. Small flings and deep love relationships have led us to endless smiles, excruciating heart breaks, and strong recoveries.

Homework has consumed our time and effort, challenging our mental state leading to breakdowns, yet has given us the satisfaction of success when accomplished. At the same time, we have partied and lived every second of our high school years.

No matter what has happened, good or bad, high school, as much as we love or hate it, has done something amazing: it has made us who we are.

Stepping out the door

Since we arrived as Baby Stings, we have always wanted to reach the top and be the ones who run the school, and now we are the examples for others, the ones who are finally going out to live their lives…

However, it scares me. Life is no joke.

Here in high school, we are excused for our slacking. Out in the real world, we’re on our own. It is our responsibility to get our work done. No one will baby us or pick up our mess. A job will need to be found, and bills will need to paid. Soon we will be living on our own, without mama or pops to be driving us to where we need to be, or cooking our food, or coming into our ‘workplace’ to excuse our irresponsibility.

My biggest fear is not being able to hold myself up as a well-rounded adult. I will work hard to be responsible and live a life worth living, getting the dream job I want. But doubt lingers on in my brain as I try to slay my demons so I don’t give up and let everyone see me go down.

Word of advice

Let your fiery passions guide you through life. People will try to surpass you and make you lose your hope. But don’t.     To my fellow graduates, I would like to say this: don’t ever let anyone talk down to you. You, and only you, know the things you have encountered. Your will power is all you need. No one but yourself has to believe in you. Live the life you always dreamt of.

Certain people have told me that the words I make will never be beautiful enough for me to be a writer. They have told me that the way I connect to the music will never make me a professional dancer because I don’t have the body for it, or that there will always be someone better. I have been told that the art that my hands make is not impressive.

But one thing is for sure. I know how much I love my talents. I will never let people tear me down from becoming a writer, dancer, or tattoo artist. I will strive to prove them wrong, from family to friends to teachers that have doubted me every step of the way. No one is perfect and I have made mistakes, but I will never let negative words stop me, and you shouldn’t either.

Farewell

As scared as I am, I am ready to take on this world head on. I regret none of my mistakes. I am who I am because of them.

I learned to accept the past, move on, and grow from some amazing people that never let me give up.

Biology teacher Emerson Perez, thank you. Thank you for seeing potential in me since the day you met me. You took me under your wing and looked out for me. You made me an officer for the Interact club, which became my sanctuary and the first thing I ever dedicated myself to. Because of you I learned to overcome my shyness and learned how to socialize. You also helped me find my passion for dance by letting me choreograph the homecoming parade. You were the one who shaped me into the person I am today. You have no idea how important you are.

Biology teacher Mr. Sanchez, thank you for picking me up from the dirt. When my life had collapsed and everyone had pushed me away, you willingly came to me and taught me how to ignore the negatives in my life. You guided me to bettering my life. Every time I wanted to give up, you never let me. You loved me like a daughter, and I loved you like a father. Sanchez, I will never be able to say I love you enough, but because of you, I feel like I’m ready to take on the world, despite anyone who wants to see me down.

To my best friend Nicole Fernandez, I have not known you for long, but it feels like a life time. You are my other half. We are what the other is missing. If anyone believes in me and not once doubts me, that is you. You are the greatest soul that I have met. For someone to be so sincere and so true seems impossible. You love me regardless and see nothing but good in me. You are my soul sister, and I promise you I will be in your life even after I graduate. I love you.