By Christine Garcia
Being a senior, I couldn’t help but reflect back on my high school experience. I have approximately one day before I graduate and it’s a bittersweet farewell. I can’t say whether I’ll miss it or feel overjoyed after I walk across that stage.
Despite all my failures and the immense pressure of being a great student, high school was an unforgettable adventure. I’m especially glad that I went to Fountain Valley High School (FVHS).
FVHS has given me the sunlight and water to grow the fruits of my labor. The variety of FVHS’ courses allowed me to discover new people and explore parts of myself. However, I won’t miss the classes and the workload of APs; I’ll miss the people who make FVHS special.
It breaks my heart a little to leave, knowing that I’m saying goodbye to staff members who saw the best in me and gave me the confidence to love myself the way I am. I can’t count how many times I struggled with academics or with my mental health, and a staff member was more than willing to help. Although some teachers think that they “are just doing their job,” they have left a profound impression on my heart. When I become a billionaire on the cover of Forbes’ “30 under 30,” I’ll make sure to shout them out.
Most importantly, I’ll miss my friends — my iridescent glitter gel pens in a world full of basic black and blue writing utensils. Everytime I catch a glimpse of them in the hallways, it’s like feeling the warmth of the sun because my entire solar system revolves around them. When I’m surrounded by the people I love, the sun shines a little brighter, the grass is greener and my smile is bigger. I hope that they won’t be strangers.
In addition to the people, there are places on FVHS’ campus that I hold close to my heart, thinking about the last time that I’ll get to hang out in these areas. I’ll miss the “long way” that I take to my history class where I loaf around with my friends. I’ll miss Emily Barro’s classroom that I eat at with my friends. And importantly, I’ll miss the views that FVHS has to offer.
In the times where I felt like I carried the world on my shoulders, I looked to the sky and took a deep breath. I can still feel my fingers pressed against the old washed up bench, while I stared at a Southern Magnolia tree. I watched the light dance on the pavement as it broke through the sprawling branches. And that’s when I understood that everything would be okay: As long as the light can break through the darkness, I will prevail.
Lastly, I’ll miss all the freebies that FVHS has to offer: my free premium Canva and Adobe account that the district pays for. Thanks to Patrick Ryan and the FVHS cafeteria staff for cooking up wonders in the cafeteria kitchen — especially, the knockoff chipotle bowls, nachos and tacos.
As graduation approaches, I find myself holding onto these little things more tightly than expected. High school wasn’t always perfect: all the nights that I spent crying because I was stressed and my crashouts caused by the state of my grades. Yet, those challenges became part of the larger picture.
FVHS has been more than just a school, it’s my second home. I learned how to come out of my shell and devote myself to spreading kindness to the people who need it. Soon, I’ll walk across the stage leaving the 15-year-old me who knew nothing. While I’m excited for the next chapter of my life, a part of me wishes I could freeze time for just a little longer.
Thank you, Fountain Valley High School for giving me the chance to fail and get back up again. Although I’m leaving you behind, the lessons and memories will stay with me forever. A part of me will always be with the magnolia trees. So, as I say goodbye, I do so with all my heart and a ton of gratitude.
