?Appreciating the Little Things?

by Becky Swig, ?Coat of Arms? Editor-in-Chief 2014-2015

As a senior, I only have a few days of classes left, and just over a month until I leave Menlo. My time here is limited, and it has flown by. After seven years at Menlo, I can still say that I am happy to be here and am intrigued by what happens every day.

However, I have started to realize that I will be leaving my comfort zone in just a few weeks, and that my time in the upper school is coming to a close. I still feel like a freshman, the time has gone by too quickly. High school flashed before my eyes. Now that I am leaving Menlo, I want to cherish the little time I have left. I want to take note of the amazing things that have been presented before me, and appreciate each moment before I graduate. I have a lot to look forward to, but I also have a lot to be thankful for.

Menlo has given me so much – a great education, great friends, amazing opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, and a wonderful and exciting seven years. I have learned so much through the many real life experiences I’ve had, and am still learning streets smarts to this day. I’ve made my mistakes here, but I’ve been taught how to handle them, and how to move on.

With my limited time left, I want to appreciate each smile or wave given and received on the quad, each sports team succeeding in their leagues, each person finding their own path and trying new things. High school is such a unique time to find who we are. We aren’t confined to just one area – we can branch out to many different things within the realms of arts, athletics, and academia.

I have a few weeks left, but I won’t just let it pass me by, I’ll make something of it. You never really know what you had until you realize that it is going to be over before you know it. Appreciate the things in front of you, and take advantage of what you have.