My experiences throughout high school have defined who I am as a person.

I remember the first day of my freshman year, and I had no clue what to expect. Coming to school was an adventure. Quickly, I began associating myself with students whom I shared common interests with, and it was fun. So fun, that I found myself paying closer attention to my social life than my academic one. If I could go back in time, I would tell my freshman self that you can focus on school and friendship at the same time.

I got lucky my sophomore year. My entire life math has made no sense to me at all, yet Mrs. Texiera was able to explain it better than any teacher I have ever had before. Because of her, math is now one of my stronger subjects.

Mr. Drouin made me realize that learning can be interesting. His lectures were so enthusiastic that I enjoyed them more than watching TV.

Academically, my sophomore year was amazing, but in my personal life it was not that great. One fateful weekend I tore all of the ligaments in my right ankle skateboarding. I did not go to the doctor for four months, which ultimately made my condition worse. Looking back, I wish that I could of either stayed home on that day which would have completely avoided the injury, or gone to the doctor as soon as the injury occurred. To this day my ankle gets on my nerves.

My junior year is basically my freshman year the way it should have been. I have the mindset that my social and academic life can be easily balanced without them conflicting.

This separation of leisure and academics has led me to realize that school is boring. All of my teachers have the same expectations of me, and I could honestly care less about most of my friends at school. I have the same conversations with the same people every day, and it has gotten repetitive.

Outside of school, every day has the potential to be amazing. Through skateboarding I have met people from all different walks of life and they all have had a profound impact on my life. Who knew that a piece of wood with wheels attached could be a lifestyle. Not only for me, but for all of my friends. Any Friday night we can be found skating the bowl at El Pescadero skate park, or just skating the red painted curbs of an empty parking lot.

Being a high school student has taught me not to care what anyone else thinks of me, and to accept myself for who I truly am. Find your inner peace and you will be happy.

I still have one more year of the high school experience, and I already have a bad case of senior-itis. I plan to graduate high school in North Carolina. My goal is to get a 4.0 GPA although I know it will be difficult. Once I graduate, hopefully, I can attend an arts college there I will publish a book that is a collection of my poetry. Until then I am going to continue doing what I am doing now, living my life.