This is my high school career: Rachael Rodrigues
Rachael Rodrigues
May 5, 2014
Throughout high school, everyone experiences different situations that start to shape who they are. Whether the experiences are good or bad, each person gets affected differently. Going from being a little freshman to the big senior on campus is very exciting and stressful at the same time.
As a freshman, I experienced feelings of being overwhelmed and nervous, but quickly overcame them and broke out of my shell. I was very talkative and outgoing my first year of high school and made many friends. It was easier to meet people because I was on the Tracy High freshman cheer team and had electives with mixed grades in the classes.
Having my best friend, senior Lindsey Raaker, by my side also made a big impact on my experience entering high school. It is a lot better when you know more people around campus.
Sometimes high school is not all fun and games. I started to let my grades slip which prevented me from doing a lot of things. I wasn’t able to join the cheer team the following year and could not be involved in homecoming activities my sophomore year.
Although sophomore year wasn’t the best, I got close to two girls who are now my best friends, seniors Keara O’Brien and Melissa Clark. Having these girls come into my life made a huge positive impact and made it easier to figure out my circle of true friends.
Going into junior year, I was very confident in myself and determined to keep my grades up. I became involved again in activities and ended up maintaining decent grades.
Finally, in my third year of high school, I knew who was really there for me and who wasn’t. You learn that the amount of friends you have isn’t what is important, it’s the quality of the friendships you have.
My English teacher, Bond Cashmere, made a difference in my life that year. She would always push me to do my best and didn’t give up on me, which made me want to do better in school.
In her class, I got closer with another one of my current best friends and boyfriend, senior Dalton Gualco. He also made a very positive impact on my life, persuading me to get better grades.
Currently, I am coming to an end to my senior year. It has been the best year here at Tracy. My grades are the highest that they have ever been in high school and it is a great sense of accomplishment.
Getting to participate in homecoming activities and senior activities has been the most exciting. I got to meet my last best friend, senior Hunter Lew, who transferred here over summer and instantly showed me that she would always be there for me.
I constantly went back and forth being shy and outgoing, or insecure and confident. I am now glad to say, have finally learned to be happy with who I am.
It is a bittersweet feeling knowing that this is my last year here at Tracy High. I am excited for all of the new adventures I will experience after I graduate, but sad that I will have to part with old friends.
