High School.

It stands tall and intimidating, challenging those who walk its halls. Everyone is extremely excited when they leave junior high and head to high school. They’re ready to get a change of scenery, to grow up, and finally ready to almost be called adults.  I never fully realized how much high school would change me until I actually got here.

I was your average kid. Super quiet, always did what I was told, never stepped out of line. I let people, especially my friends, walk all over me all through elementary and middle school. I always believed that other people knew what was better for me than myself.

I believed that I didn’t have the strength to decide for myself. I was the biggest welcome mat around. During junior high, I stepped out of my shell a little bit, becoming a tad more rebellious and talking a lot more. But nothing changed me more than stepping into the halls of Har-Ber on my first day of sophomore year.

Throughout sophomore year, I stood up for myself and spoke my mind when I needed to. I finally got off the ground and suited up my armor. No more getting stepped on. This past year has had more of an impact on my life.

High school is hard. It’s not just you that changes, everyone else around you does also. Some change for the better, and others for the worse. It becomes hard to know who is truly your friend.

I had a tough time for a while. I didn’t know whom I could actually trust or who would be there for me when I needed help. But I’m here to personally testify that it gets better. To all of you out there who are struggling right now, who are having a hard time with trying to sift through your friends, stay strong.

It’s hard now, but the skies will clear and you will find your way. While I am still working on finding myself and what I want, I have come leaps and bounds. Gone is the timid seven-year-old with a ponytail. Now 17, I believe that I am stronger than ever and can face anything that comes my way.

Keep your head up. It does get better. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and you will get there. Never lose hope and always believe that you can make it through all of life’s challenges.