It's just about over, and I will still stand by the fact that Dreyfoos was a great school. All of the art teachers were incredibly passionate about everything they taught, which made the experience all the more engaging. I really enjoyed learning from them and others, growing more and more each day and with every critique developing my art further. I met some lifelong friends here, and people that I am excited to watch grow as artists and see what they will end up accomplishing. I wouldn't have rather gone to any other school. It's unfortunate our graduation was cut short, senior activities canceled, and what feels like tradition was broken. I honestly feel left out of a lot of memories, but it will hopefully allow me to cherish the ones I do have more than I would have.

Senior year is obviously the best year because it finally feels like you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Years of hard work and you’ll be on your way to bigger and better things, adult things. I guess right off the bat it’s easy to say that high school friendships and cliques are usually temporary. It’s okay to move on as you and other people change, (on the other hand, keep your close friends close) and more importantly do not get attached to the idea that your legacy depends on high school, because it doesn’t. The real world is much different and everything that matters to you at one point will quickly change. For example, I’m no longer concerned with keeping up with people I hardly connected with, instead I am now concerned with apartment searching, I got my voter card in the mail, and I have been driving lately. Sort of cool.

As boring as that sounds it’s actually the most fulfilling feeling I’ve felt in ages. The step towards college and leaving my nest has made me feel more alive and more aware of my future than any cold gymnasium testing session has done before. Being able to envision your path instead of trudging through your daily, repetitive routine is probably something you should look forward to the most.

On the topic of college, your mind will change several times. I was dead-set on many schools before the best opportunity possible presented itself at the last minute and it ended up being ten times better than any of the previous schools. Things happen for a reason, and you will end up where you need to be. Work hard to keep your GPA up, apply for early applications, apply to scholarships, and most importantly keep in mind you are working towards your future.

Senior year goes fast. I’m sure this phrase is repeated in every student’s letter but it’s very true. It’s a blur and by the end of it you’ve accepted your spot at a college or whatever you intend on doing. Work hard, enjoy the senior activities (as we didn’t get a chance to,) go to Cityplace/Rosemary Square lunches, and enjoy the year. Good Luck.

-Max Dowling