Column: In the Lab

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The past four years at Grayslake North have been nothing but great memories. Growing as a person and learning what it means to be a Knight from sports to after-school activities, there are so many people that I would like to thank. The sport I love the most, basketball, has not only opened many doors for me but opportunities and connections that I will never forget. I want to thank my former and present coaches, Coach Grunloh, Coach Hough, Coach Feinzimer, Coach Ewen, and Coach Pucher. The sacrifices you’ve made not only have made me a better basketball player but a better person. I would also like to thank all of my teachers who have taught me many skills and helped me along my path.

My favorite memory at North was definitely the buzzer-beater this year against our rival school, Grayslake Central. There were a lot of emotions before the game. Even though I didn’t do as well as I wanted, I didn’t want to go out with a loss. With 23.5 seconds left on the clock, I patiently waited for the clock to hit 10 seconds. Once it hit 10 seconds, I passed the ball to Jacob Donahue, who gave it back to me, then did a spin move and hit a mid-range shot for the win. The crowd was going crazy and stormed the court. I ran to Central’s side and waved goodbye cause they’re not like that for real. Realizing as I got older, that it’s really not that deep. Embrace the highs and lows of high school and always remember that Central doesn’t run the town.
For the juniors and underclassmen that are reading this, take advantage of what’s in front of you. Be in the present and live in it. It helped me slowly recover from all the mental exhaustion that was wearing me down from the start of the year. If you are reading this, take this as a sign to take a day and prioritize yourself. Your mental well-being comes first and foremost, and always prioritize that before any form of validation or achievement.