Memories from 17

On the eve of my 18th birthday, I was sitting here wondering what I should write about. I then started thinking back on the last year. From trips, finding a new passion, applications, pandemics, and finishes it has been a big one. One that allowed me to learn a lot about myself and those around me. One that helped me learn about responsibility, deadlines, and teamwork. Looking back I am sitting here laughing thinking about some of the most amazing days full of dancing in the rain, doing jumping jacks in parking lots, and running down the hall. I decided that it would be fitting to share some of these amazing memories and events with everyone!

• Joy rides

My friends and I go on joy rides a lot. It could be after a rough shift, or to celebrate a great day. We love to put the top down in my car blast music and just talk. Sometimes these rides are full of advice and secrets. Other times they are full of sing-a-longs. The key to the rides is there is no end destination. We could end up at Ted Drews or the high school. No one knows where we are going, we just drive.

• Ice cream runs

For me, ice cream can fix any issue. My friends and I go on ice cream runs and smiles always come across our face. The time spent laughing together, and jamming together has allowed me to create some of the best memories in the past year.

• Florida

Last August my family and I spent a week at the beach. Days spent boating, tanning, and just hanging out allowed me to create the best memories while relaxing. Thinking back I remember getting lost on an ice cream run with Katie, channeling my inner 5 year old on a big obstacle course, and holding an alligator. The trip was full of memories that I will always remember.

• First day of school

You probably read that and thought oh she is a nerd. When I say the first day of school I don’t mean the actual school part. The part that sticks out to me is the breakfast with my besties beforehand, and getting to stand in front of the school dressed in animal print partying with my grade. Kicking off the school year may have been the high point for us but it was an extremely high point to start at.

• 6th hour

Most won’t understand this, however, 6th hour was my hour off during the school day. This hour was full of my friends and I laughing, napping, running down the hall, and so much more. I could write about a memory, to sum up, each 6th hour we had but that would be boring for those who weren’t there.

• Jonas Brothers

This past September I got to live out my childhood dream and see the Jonas Brothers in concert. However, the best part was not getting to see them but being there with my best friends. We sang our hearts out and danced like no one was watching as they sang songs that we all loved.

• Cardinals ballet class

I spent a lot of time at dance, not just this year but throughout the last 17 years. The classes that stick out the most to me are the ones that we created themes for. This past year when the Cardinals were in the playoffs we decided to all wear jerseys, tutus, and any other Cardinals merch we had. We danced our hearts out that night but also created memories that we all love to look back on.

• Late-night study sessions

AP Bio was well hard, to say the least. Yet my friends and I managed to make it fun by having late-night study sessions. Going out to the local grocery store to study after all our activities the study sessions would start around 8 and end when we were kicked out. Although we were learning biology these study sessions became so much more. They became a time for us all to laugh, and relax.

• Washington D.C.

In November I got the chance to go to Washington D.C. and thinking back on it that trip was one that allowed me to create so many memories. No matter what we were doing Brigid and I made so many memories, and became super close. Although the trip ended with me taking a nap on the airport floor, it was one of the best parts of my senior year.

• Art museum

Not many people can say they performed the Nutcracker at the art museum. I can say that I have. However, I remember this day was one that started with Fiona doing jumping jacks in the parking lot and ended with all 5 seniors eating enough pizza to feed 100 people. This day was one where I felt confident, happy, and strong.

• Mice

This is another memory from performing in the Nutcracker. This past year Fiona and I decided that we wanted to have as much fun as possible so we decided to ask if we could be mice (I also learned that if you really want something then just ask the wors that can happen is that you get told no). We both got put in the dance and just got to improve as we leaped and turned across the stage, but even better we made tons of memories laughing and just making fools of ourselves not caring what anyone thought.

• KHS Cares

One of the most amazing humans Ally created this club at our high school and pushed me to a part of it. We spent time serving our community and volunteering. Spending my time being a part of this allowed me to create some of the best memories in high school.

• Karaoke, ping pong, and pizza

I think this was one of my first memories from 2020. Early in January my work friends and I all got together to celebrate Isabela’s 19th birthday. None of us really knew exactly what to expect but left beyond happy that we came. The day was full of pizza, bad singing, and ping pong. Having time to just hang out and laugh was so fun. I am beyond lucky to have such great friends. This one outing turned into nights of ice cream and joy rides.

• Finding the perfect college

This past year was full of applications, I could not tell you all the places that I applied. However, the feeling when I toured the perfect school is one that can not be described. The second that I stepped onto campus I knew that it was my new home and I can’t wait to start my first quarter in around 9 weeks.

• Graduation parade

In the middle of the pandemic, the high school surprised us and decided to have a graduation parade. The whole community came out and yelled congratulations while we drove by. The parade was something that I will never ever forget.

• Puppy drives

My dogs LOVE car rides and even better Starbucks gives out little drinks for your dogs. I have started taking my puppers for little drives and coffee dates. No matter what mood I am by the time we are done I am always laughing at them.

• Snow days

This was the year of snow days. They always came at the best time like right before a final for which I hadn’t studied for, or when all I needed was a day of movies and naps. This year we had one snow day when my friends and I just sat around and watched barbie movies. Snow days are something that I feel I took advantage of, but they definitely made some of the best memories.

These are nowhere close to all of my memories from the last year but just some that I wanted to share. I am beyond excited to see what memories and adventures 18 brings.