High school is a crucial part in a student’s future development. If there are many changes in you upon entering and leaving high school then chances are you will experience many more alternations to your lifestyles after high school. To me, high school is where one finds his or her inspiration. Inspirations do not have to come from attending school, but also from memorable past events. I never had many good friends but rather a few best friends. Looking back in time, I realized on how important these few friends are to the person I have become. I specifically recall a conversation with me and Tibebe in the summer before my senior year. We talked about life and then somehow near the end of this discussion he suggested me to start running.

                At first, I did what he had advised because I wanted to play basketball with him and his buddies. It was a big group of eight to ten people. Not all of them can show up to Rec. Park at once but still, there are always enough players. They started playing basketball since 8^th grade so their athletic performances were way far more superior to mine. I played a couple of pick-up games with them and I could not keep up with their paces and endurances. I knew something had to be done so I trained myself through running plus it proved to be more convenient through the wide streets of El Segundo.

                In the end of August that summer, I picked up my dusty running shoes in my closet and put them on. I barely completed the one block down the street from where I lived, and returned home questioning my body. I had no reasons for discouragements because I knew I can always practice to improve. Little did I know, the day I attempted to run had started my athletic life. In present days, I play basketball to release my stresses from school.

                Also during the summer before my senior year, my friends, Tibebe and Aaron, changed my life significantly. We took the summer class Calculus at El Camino College together. Each day after class is over, we call some other friends and go to the beach and hang out. We do this almost every school days including weekends. I will forever appreciate what Tibebe and Aaron introduce me to. They helped me to get out there in the outside world more and made the transitions easier. I developed my sense of humor by being with them. Moreover, they taught me everything I know. Lessons I learn from them are valuable such as how changes do not happen overnight, being happy with what you have, not taking anything for granted, and with much given, much is acquired.

                Not only they are friends but they are also the dominant and athletic father figures I never had. I can say high school is the best years of my life because of them and I can also say senior year is the most memorable experience in my high school career. Some people let themselves be recognized through their words and some like me through actions. This essay is about my life so if there is a lesson for you to be learned here, it has to do with living an active life. Back in time of our ancestors, the cavemen have to hunt for food everyday. This tells us humans are not made to live an inactive life but rather a life of constant movements. To hunt those big mammoths back in history is no easy task so let our exercises be comparable to our forefathers.