It is our last full week until May 1st rolls around marking the last day for seniors. Before we go I wanted to share some wise words from your 2024 seniors:

“Time flies by when you’re having fun. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, let everyone see the real you, don’t change for anyone.”- Camille Simon

“Ascension is a place that people can call their second home. After my 15 years at Ascension, I’ve been given amazing relationships and friendships with my classmates, valuable life lessons, and responsibilities to take with me to college. The best thing is to stay involved at Ascension because the events and activities will give you memories that will last forever. Being able to grow up as a Blue Gator has been a blessing. So with my experience here, you should embrace your surroundings and opportunities and take advantage of them because if not, you won’t have the opportunity to experience it again.”- Gabriela Del Toro

“Do good things and good things will happen to you.”- Henry Neusetzer 

“1. It doesn’t matter if you’re parked next to your friends as a senior. It’s better to pick a good spot because the raffle probably won’t allow you to be next to them anyway and you’ll be grateful for a close spot when you’re running late.

2. Genuinely, people don’t care as much as you think they do. Everyone’s worried about themselves so do what makes you happy. On that note, play the Student Life games because they’re fun and if you embarrass yourself no one will remember. For example, one time I was very confident that I knew the answer to a trivia question but I was very wrong and even though I may think about it from time to time, chances are no one remembers it. You probably don’t even know the time that I’m talking about.”- Brianna Gayle

“Sometimes a smile is all it takes.”- Hunter Gallagher

“​​HAVE FUN!!!! I cannot stress this enough. Go to school events, go to athletic events, and have fun at those events. Everyone wants to look back at high school and say ‘man those were the good ole days.’ If you don’t go to anything or get out of your comfort zone, you will never be able to say how amazing high school is. When you are able to drive, use your time wisely at school so you can go to events like YoungLife and baseball games. Don’t wait until college for you to ‘find who you are.’ That means you waste 4 of your best years just dreaming of a better life. Instead, make the most out of the one you have! Okay I’m done:) I love high school!”- Mamie Mendell

“Try to live your life with the purpose of treating others with kindness and with the intention of brightening another person’s day.”- Charlie Hohorst

“Don’t miss out and try everything. High school goes by very quickly and you should try to make the most out of the time you have. Don’t take a moment for granted.”- Peyton Peebles

“Don’t take yourself too seriously. Just do the things you want to do, it doesn’t matter how your peers might react! The people that make fun of you for doing things that make you happy are people that are lacking in empathy and compassion, and you really don’t need to listen to them. You’ll be way happier if you just do your own thing.”- Chloe St. Marie

“Do everything you can to get involved and know your classmates, constantly put yourself in uncomfortable situations, so you never stop growing who you are. The family you have at Ascension is unlike any other.”- Leah Franques 

“Sometimes waiting until the last minute works!”- Winnie McClymont

“Always say yes!! Don’t be afraid to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way because at Ascension, there are many. If you are ever struggling to keep up, use a to-do list or planner (digital or paper). It’s a lot of effort at first, but it works!!!”- Seher Tejani

I wanted to share these words from my peers to show what many of us have learned through high school. High school is a long four years, but they are so worth it. I will always be grateful to have a place like Ascension to hold so many memories, friendships, and lessons. As we pass our final moments, soak it all up. Cherish these words your seniors have shared from their own experiences. Like Mamie Mendell said, these are the good ole days. You’re going to miss it, so go through it with no regrets. We’ve been through so much together as a grade and have finally hit the last of the lasts. I want to reference “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, and her words “Ain’t about how what’s waiting on the other side, it’s the climb.” As it’s exciting to be done with school and move on, don’t forget how you got to this point. When you graduate, look back and remember how you got to this point. Remember all the memories and happy moments that you had spent being a Blue Gator.