In every situation there is something positive, sometimes it is less obvious, but regardless there is a lesson to be learned or something to be thankful for. Through these past experiences we become the person we are today and we must thank God for providing us with these opportunities that make a difference and create our character. As I prepare to walk across the stage and receive my high school diploma I reflect on the high school experiences that shaped who I am.

 
Being a part of the cross country and track teams, I became friends with group of distance runners I will truly never forget. They showed me the definition of a team being a family and helped me become a successful runner. If it were not for their motivation and encouragement, or the in depth talks about managing my health and thinking positive I would have never reached my goals and became a respectable athlete.

 
Although going into high school I had dreams of playing basketball on the varsity team, this group of people found me and for that I am forever grateful. This fall, when I begin my athletic career as a college runner, I will remember the lessons I learned to push through the extra mile. I wish them all the best of luck and I know they have the potential to go far in life.

 
Newspaper also had an impact on my life and taught me skills I will use in the next chapter of my life. Interviewing in particular has taught me how to have professional conversations with adults such as the superintendent, financial director, principal, and teachers. I learned how to ask inquisitive questions and do extensive research as well as be more creative with my writing. I had to work under pressure too, as our publication comes out monthly. Having tight deadlines and several things to accomplish can be overwhelming, but I’ve learned how to manage stress with help of my staff and adviser.

 
The most important thing I learned from these experiences, however, is how to be confident in every aspect of my life. I used to have an editor come with me to interview, now I go to a source and interview them for a story. I used to get nervous before a race, but I now have faith in my fitness.

 
Newspaper and running have faced me with challenges, but I approach everything with confidence now knowing that I will do anything I set my mind to. One can move up from the middle of the pack to the winner of the race and from Writer to Editor-in-Chief with determination to do so.