It took a while to brainstorm what I wanted my final piece for The Devils’ Advocate to be. Though as I skimmed through all the pieces I’ve ever written, I realized I’ve always had a thing for interviewing others. I’ve always enjoyed getting the insights or opinions of others. I’ve liked doing this because it’s allowed me to view experiences through the eyes of another person. But as I say farewell, I felt it was only right to end off on a more personal note. So what better way of doing that than to interview me.

How would you compare yourself back then to yourself now?

I would definitely describe myself as a more confident and thoughtful person than I was four years ago. In my freshmen year, I came into school feeling very doubtful of myself, I was always scared of taking up too much space or standing out. I never gave myself the space I needed to grow, so for a long time, I could have described myself as an insecure person. Now, I’ve learned to force myself to be uncomfortable when I feel the time calls for it; and it’s given me a boost of confidence in just knowing how capable I am. I’m also more thoughtful now because I consider myself more apprehensive about how I behave, not in a self-conscious way, but more in a “trying to do my best,” kind of way.

What has been you’re favorite part of high school?

The routine it gave me. It forced me to leave the house for obvious reasons. I also liked how I was always surrounded by people my age. I’ve heard from people close around me how rare that becomes when you grow older.

What’s your favorite high school memory?

My senior year homecoming, my date made me feel so beautiful that night. That or the senior trip, I felt amazing being on my own for the first time and being able to feel like a kid again.

What’s something that high school taught you?

Know who you are. Peer pressure is so real. Many think that peer pressure comes in the forms most taught when growing up, like substance abuse, but personally, I feel like there’s so much more pressure in just giving into societal norms. Dressing how everyone is dressing at the moment, listening to the music that everyone else is listening to. You feel the need to blend in. It might sound cliché but high school made me realize that knowing who you are is so important because if you don’t, you can easily get caught up in what everyone else is doing and it can make you unhappy.

If you could do anything differently, what would it be?

I would have been more involved with school and I would have formed friendships with people who motivated me and who brought out the best in me. I also would have been more true to myself.

What will you miss most about high school?

The feeling of being young and having things somewhat easy. I know it won’t be like that once we graduate. That or seeing some people from here on a regular basis. I’ve grown up with some people here for the last 13 years and although we may not talk, I can sometimes remember warm childhood memories with them and I just know it’ll be a hard transition knowing I may never see some of these people again.

Was high school what you expected it to be?

That’s a certain no. I remember leaving middle school with a big friend group and many goals. Throughout the years’ circumstances change alongside people. That’s okay though, I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. So high school may not have been the teenage dream that many movies paint it out to be, but it was a character-building experience.

What advice would you give to the incoming Freshmen class?

Be yourself. The most cliché advice ever, but be yourself. Prioritize yourself, your happiness, and your well-being over anyone else’s. You cannot help others if you do not help yourself first. I’d also like to remind them that at the end of the day, you’re about as happy and as satisfied as the people around you are. So pick the right friends. Be picky with who you surround yourself with, there’s nothing wrong with having a few or even one friend. Most importantly, do not be so hard on yourself. High school is about learning and growing, but also preparing yourself for the future. So you are bound to make mistakes, make them, but learn from them.

What do you plan on doing after high school? Career goals?

Going to college. I plan to move and attend Rowan in the fall. It’s a big step, but one I feel ready to take. I plan to major in political science or international and global studies. It’s an ongoing decision. Most importantly I plan on starting fresh. High school for me was like trial and error. I want to travel and I’m determined to live in another country and find a job in my career field and just be happy.

Now that I’ve recapped my personal experience, I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to my unique high school experience. My teachers throughout the years, my family, and my guidance counselor Mrs. Ryan, I thank you. I would not have come this far if it was not for their unwavering love, motivation, and support. I’d like to congratulate the entire class of 2022 and end with my favorite quote in Spanish, “El esfuerzo de hoy, es el logro de manana,” “Today’s efforts, are tomorrow’s successes.” Here’s to you class of 2022, and to all your future successes.