It always shocks me how fast December approaches. Yet here we are again, about to close out the most recent chapter of our lives known as 2014.

I’d say this year has been a pretty big one for me. My little brother turned one, I got accepted into Missouri State and began my fourth and final year of high school.

As soon as the thought of this being my final year in high school entered my mind, a rush of emotions flooded through me.

I had never realized that the end of 2014 marks the end of so many different things. Once 2015 hits, things will slowly but surely change for everybody. If you think this semester has flown by, just imagine how fast next semester will go.

I still can’t believe I’m a senior sometimes.

A few weeks ago in Advisory, my class sat in a circle and shared what our plans were after high school. After hearing everyone’s plans, it hit me. This would be the last year that we would all be together in Mrs. Stephens’ room.

I still remember walking into what was Liberty Junior High (now known as Heritage Middle School), knowing absolutely no one, feeling completely alone and nervous beyond belief. Little did I know that my four years in Liberty would fly by. Back then I was a clueless freshman. Here I am today as a reminiscent senior, ready to graduate and get out into this crazy yet amazing world.

I’m really happy with how far I’ve come this year. I managed to break out of my comfort zone a few times, I made some new friends, and discovered a lot about who I am and what I want to do with my life.

My advice to all of you would be to let go of the past, but not completely abandon it. I know it seems easy to dwell on things in the past, but it’s not healthy. In order to grow up and move on, we have to be able to just let some things go.

With that being said, I also think it’s just as important to remember your past, because when you think about it, that’s your story, and no one has the right to tell it but you. We’ve all made mistakes in the past, but even through the bad times we can find plenty of positives to help us grow, and I think that’s what life is all about.

So as we end the semester and 2014 comes to a close, I urge all of you to take some time to reflect on your year and get ready to hit the ground running in 2015. Be sure to keep in mind that just like C.S. Lewis once said, “There are far far better things ahead, than any we leave behind.”

Happy Holidays, Blue Jays!