I never realize the weight a goodbye carries until a while after it’s been given. That’s why this, saying goodbye to North, doesn’t feel real. Logically I know I’m graduating. Logically I know I’m going to college in four months, but I fail to apply that same logic to the relationships and memories to which I’m saying goodbye. I found high school to be difficult, and I struggled with finding that balance between social, school, and self-care. But I found it. I am the happiest I have ever been, and I’m not ready to give that away. I thought I wanted a restart – to some extent I do – but now I feel melancholy toward the project of starting over, the leaving behind a life that I had been building for not just four but 17 whole years.

I’m proud of the work I’ve contributed to North. I’m especially proud of my work as a writer. The amount of topics I’ve covered, the versatility in my writing style, and all the lessons I’ve learned from friends and teachers made me a writer I’m proud of. I am going to miss journalism so, so much because it had been such a constant in my life. For the last three years, I found solace in the routine of interviews, writing, editing, and publishing. But now it is all over. I plan on continuing in college, but that still will not be the same. Still, a chapter is ending as I say goodbye to North and all the groups that I have been a part of.

I know I’m going to miss a lot. But what I’m going to miss the most are the connections I’ve made. High school creates a place for everyone to know everyone, and for better or for worse, I’ve gotten to know every aspect of this place. But now I’m leaving and have nothing really keeping me tied to my fellow students, teachers, and the acquantices I would say hi to every day. But its time for change, and though a part of me is sad, I have never been more excited. Goodbye, Grayslake North.