I find myself counting down the hours until I walk across the stage on June 7. At that time, a new chapter will begin in my life, otherwise known as the real world. Receiving my cap and gown, taking senior pictures, opening acceptance letters, making a memory book and enjoying time I get off for late arrival and early release describe only a portion of how bittersweet my senior year continues to turn out. Now, I can think of nothing but my life after high school.

Once I’m actually gone, I know I’ll miss certain things, such as playing my trumpet in band, half-days and, most importantly, the smell of fresh cookies on Wednesday and Friday mornings. However, I won’t miss the crowded hallways, cafeteria food and the smell of body odor constantly lingering around in the hallways.

I keep seeing the words “Keep Calm and Just Graduate” posted by seniors all over Twitter and Instagram. I’ve anticipated the big day with a countdown to the minute I graduate on my phone since the second week of school. I spend the walks to my classes with one of my best friends complaining about how much we “don’t wanna” and “can’t even” care any more than we do and having countless conversations over how ready we are to move on with our lives.

I will enter the Center as a student and leave as a graduate. I’ll say hello and goodbye to peers for the last time. I’ll walk the crowded halls of Legacy for the last time. I’ll sit at lunch and joke with my friends for the last time. I’ll perform at my band concert for the last time. Like they say, all things must come to an end.

In every class I’ve been in, there’s always those people who talk about who’s dating who or what he said to her that ended in a bad break-up. Sure, four years of dealing with those people might sound challenging to sit through, but the 720 days of the high school experience fly by faster than expected. Personally, graduating sounds more sweet than bitter. If high school taught me anything, it’s to enjoy the little things in life. I can still see myself on the first day of my freshman year, butterflies in my tummy and not knowing what in the world to expect. Four years later with my head held higher than ever, I’m more than ready for the big moment.