It’s been almost a month since I’ve been assigned this story and like literally every other project I’ve had, I waited till the last possible minute to start.

But that’s my problem. I don’t know where to start.

When I think of high school, there is not one specific memory or person I can attain to. Some though, I admit, have been sweeter than others. But let’s be honest now, high school sucked. Occasionally you would enroll in one cool class per semester that made it tolerable but other than that, the only thing that made high school bearable were my friends. And for them, I’ll be eternally grateful. For the acquaintances who would keep me company in class where none of us knew anybody. For those who would say hi to me in halls regardless of how little we hung out outside of that class. For those who would offer me their food or save their Craisins for me. For the friends who were there for me when I was having a bad day. For my best friends who would make sure I was never alone when I was sad, even if I wasn’t talking; them being there meant so much to me. Even if I might not have said anything, I appreciated it.

Goodbyes have never been my strong suit. Ever. Hence why this senior goodbye took me forever to write. As horrible as high school is, I’m not ready to let go yet. If I could go back and do things differently, I probably wouldn’t. All my past choices weren’t the smartest but they all led up to who I am today and honestly, she isn’t that bad.

To 15-year-old Stephany:

There’s more to life than a middle school boyfriend and I wished you would’ve understood that sooner instead of wasting your time on someone who didn’t deserve it. Learn to fall in love with your solitude, but don’t mistake it with isolation. Remember who your real friends are and never forget your worth. Once you find out your worth, you are unstoppable.

To 16-year-old Stephany:

STOP BEING SO BITTER! Be happy for those around you. Your friend’s victories should be taken as your own victories. Don’t be scared to branch out with different people and encounter new friends. Surround yourself only with positivity.

To 17-year-old Stephany:
Don’t overwork yourself. Junior year is important but take care of yourself! Rest, eat well and manage your time. Realize it’s OK you may or may not have a job. Others are able to multitask and that’s cool too! Things that tend to work for others, doesn’t always work for you. Learn from your mistakes and move on. There’s more to life than high school drama. You’re almost there.

To 18-year-old Stephany:

Your past may not define you but never forget where you rose up from. Never be scared to be human. Whatever you decide to do, the universe will put the right people in your path. Don’t confuse people wanting the best for you as your enemy. Always remember to be kind and courteous. Learn to forgive but never forget. Be wise about the decisions you make now. Your actions affect people in more ways than you’ll ever know.

I want to say goodbye to all my past Stephany’s. They’ll always be a part of me, but I plan to keep on growing as a person since we all know I’m not getting any taller than 5’2. I don’t want to look back on high school as a completely negative experience but…I’m relieved to finally leave and start a new section of my life. To be quite honest, it hasn’t hit me yet. I guess I didn’t think I’d make it this far. But props to me. I DID THAT.