There is a distinct feeling that comes with the end of something.

It’s not always immediately apparent to me, as I often am too concerned with specifics. Where I left my phone, where my water bottle is. Things that distract from the grander point, or blur the lines between what truly matters and what doesn’t. 

I’m not so sure my uncertainty about my phone’s location is enough this time. 

The feeling absolutely struck first. 

In 9 days, I’ll be leaving McCaskey, but more specifically, leaving highschool. Two entirely different things. One is a building where I walked every day, the other is a mindset. A series of traits I adopted that made me a more insufferable person but a better “high schooler.” In a time like this I’m forced to reconcile with certain aspects of my personality that probably won’t make it out of this place. For better or for worse, I doubt I’ll ever do finger guns or purposely interrupt someone loudly ever again. I’ll try not to, anyway.

The death of this persona is very unfortunate. It’s slightly purposeful, as I said earlier. Every new start warrants a new person. Someone more equipped than the current Wyatt Potter to take care of business in a “college student” fashion. Because “high school student” me is dying.

This is a good thing. McCaskey taught me that change is okay. I was unfamiliar with change before 9th grade. I had the same school, same friends, and some interests. But McCaskey sort of beat new worth into me. It forced me to adapt, and now I no longer feel like the odd man out. It’s an indescribable feeling, having the energy of motivational posters beaten and forced into you. 

The individuals are what made the journey worth it. I spent 8 years forging bonds to last a lifetime during my early education. In a comparatively short amount of time, Mccaskey introduced me to some of my closest friends. People who I love and trust dearly, as well as educators who made the lame parts worthwhile.

If there’s anything to be learned from my experience, it’s to take some solace in personal change. Oftentimes, it’s for the better. This is a conclusion I came to WHILE writing this. I wanted to give some pseudo-nihilistic essay about how little relevance anything in highschool has, but it would betray the very fact that much of what I’ve learned about myself has taken place at McCaskey. So just let things happen. It can work out in your favor.