high school – Inside an Optimist's Mind

High School Graduation and Summer 2021: A Reflection

On June 2nd, 2021, I graduated High School. It felt kind of surreal, honestly. I made it there a few minutes after the ceremony started (I was supposed to be there one hour before it began), and had to quickly find my way to the other graduates so that I’d make it time for the march (which was, let me tell you, very stressful). So while speeches were being made, I was part listening and part recovering from the stress and the rush that came with being late.

From the handing of the diploma cover, to the picture taking, everything went by so quickly, and then suddenly, without enough time to process it all, I was a high school graduate. I went home that evening, took some more pictures, took all my regalia and graduation stuff off, changed into something else, and just sat there. It was weird.

Then, not even two weeks into my summer break, I attended orientation for my summer job as a camp counselor. Two weeks after that I had already started my summer class. A few weeks into working 40 hours a week and taking a class, I started working on co-founding an organization with a wonderful group of people located in different parts of the country. Needless to say, before I could even let it all sink in, I already immersed myself in other things (which also means this is the first time I’m actually sitting and reflecting about everything).

So here I am, on my bed, typing away and not knowing where this piece is even going. Most of what comes to mind is that two months after graduation, I am quite aware that I’m no longer a high schooler, but I also don’t really feel like an adult either. It’s like I’m in limbo, between what was my life before and life I’m about to live. I don’t really know what’s next, or if I’m even prepared for it, but I’m excited.

Before I close this out, here are a few things that I learned/ realized this summer.

Working with kids after a year of being around little to no people can surely lead to one getting sick. Twice. It was a learning experience though.
Interacting with other people is people is pretty cool. I didn’t realize how much I missed it. However, a lot of interacting in a short period of time can get draining.
Mental health days are important and should be normalized.
Trees are cute. I realized this a long time ago, but I just wanted to put that out there.

That’s all from me.

‘Till next time ❤

Going the Extra Mile to Keep A Friendship

Originally published in the Harbinger

As the school year comes to a close, a great fear approaches for seniors: separating from friends. It may feel like graduation will hold the last memories of hugs, conversations, and friendship; however, this doesn’t have to be the case. If both parties put in effort to keep the treasured bond, distance will no longer be a determining factor within the friendship.

Social media is becoming an integral part of the lives for many, and friendships can both be initiated and maintained through it. You can send snaps to your best friend and vice versa, showing how one another’s day is going or laughing at memes sent through the DMs of Instagram.

“We have a streak on snapchat and send each other posts on Instagram and Twitter,” said Alexandra Roberdeo, a MLEC alumnus and freshmen at Hamilton College, about her ongoing friendship with Daylin Delgado, a MLEC alumnus and freshman at Amherst College.

When you’re miles apart from each other with different schedules, talking to your best friend everyday is nearly impossible. But catching up once a week or every other week ensures that you keep in touch.

“We don’t call often but we’ve also never been the type to call all the time. We do update each other or ask each other questions like once a week,” said Daylin.

If you and your best friend are in different states, or even just different schools, there is always something new to talk about, ranging from teachers to mini adventures to relationships.

In trying to keep your bond, it is important to take advantage of every opportunity and never hesitate taking the time to tell your best friend about all the mishaps and exciting things that happened throughout the week.

And although busy schedules and distance may make it difficult to see each other often, try and make room for a visit or two. Perhaps this can be done spontaneously, on a weekend when you both are free or for special occasions such as birthdays.

“It’s not like the distance can get in the way. Last semester, I felt myself missing home a lot, so I took a train to Massachusetts and surprised Daylin,” said Alexandra.

It is also important to understand that while some friendships work out after high school, some simply don’t. It happens. However, it doesn’t hurt to try, especially if your friend holds great significance to you.

“Don’t worry about it. If it’s meant to last, it will. You can’t force something to work, but you should definitely work for it if it’s important to you,” said Daylin.

As the final days of high school approach, remember that with some effort, surprise visits, snap sending, and meme sharing, the bond you share with your best friend doesn’t have to end.