At graduation this past June, I was the first to walk the stage, receive my diploma, and adjust my tassel from the right to the left. I migrated back on stage and took my perspective seat because of my role as Senior Class Secretary. As each student walked the stage, I nervously read, and reread, my class officer speech. All the students in my class were sitting in their seats, ecstatic that they made it across the stage without stumbling; however, I couldn’t help but fill with anxiety and nerves, as I had to wait for all 639 seniors to walk, receive their diploma, and sit down. I tried to get my last minute memorization in and prayed that I wouldn’t stutter my words. I was the second class representative to give a speech and I felt extremely confident as I sat back down and listened to the rest of the officers present. My heart started slowing down and my muscles started to relax. The principal took the microphone and hovered the podium giving his final remarks. Each year the principal gives a “Principal’s Award” out to a senior who demonstrated leadership skills, showed continuous involvement, and represented the true version of a leader within the senior class. As I was zoning in and out during his speech, just thrilled that mine had been over, it was time for the presentation of the award. My best friend was sitting next to me, as we were intrigued about who was going to receive the honor and tried to make guesses before it was announced. Principal Burns stated that this year two students would be achieving the award, which had never happened in the years past. The first name was called and the Principal’s microphone echoed “Kayla Taylor”. Applause went through the entire auditorium and she made her way to the stage. Now it was time for the second name to be called. The Principal waited for silence, spoke highly about the student, and mentioned that it was another girl. As the list of my guesses was now narrowed down, the second name was called and as I looked around trying to find the individual who won, I realized my name was the one called. My mouth was wide open, my expression defined the word shocked, and the individuals around me had to guide me to stand up and accept the award. My picture was taken with the Principal and the other recipient, and then I sat back down, astonished that I had won. Congratulations were pouring out from everybody around me, and the applause continued. The Principal congratulated all senior for his or her hard work and dedication, and signaled that the ceremony was over. As the classic graduation song started to play and the graduation was officially over, I walked out leading all of the seniors to the parking lot.  As I found my parents and showed them my award, my parents and family members weren’t shocked, at all, that I had received the award, unlike how I suggested by my expression on stage. They were instead proud and reflective on my involvement to my academics and class during my high school career, which inspired me to do the same.

 

     The four years I spent in high school can be described as going by quickly, achieving high grades, and hoping to have some sort of impact on the school when I graduate. It seemed like yesterday that I was going to my first home football game, playing in my first volleyball game, and attending my first homecoming dance. From being a freshmen and not knowing my way around campus, to holding the Senior Class Secretary position and being apart of the IB Program, I began to reflect on my high school experience. I applied to the IB Program when I was in 8th grade, and started the program in 9th grade. The actual program began junior year and continued through senior year, but freshmen and sophomore year aided in academic development and preparing us for IB-like coursework. I challenged myself academically and joined a program that would prepare me for the college application process, the real world, and studying internationally. Since I was apart of the program for all 4 years of high school, I acted as a mentor to incoming freshmen and answered any questions they had about the program and the influence it had on getting into my desired colleges. In addition, I was on the varsity volleyball team for all 4 years of high school. Since I started on the team as a freshman, I was able to use my individualized experiences and accounts from older girls on the team and experiences I had, and translate that into a form of leadership when acting as an upperclassman to the younger players in the following years. I held the captain position my junior and senior year, which allowed me to form relationships, support the players, and guide the younger girls into bettering themselves as individuals and players, through their success in the sport. Lastly, I ran for Class Secretary my junior year and was elected for the position. I realized all the work that goes on behind the scenes, which I took for granted my freshmen and sophomore year. I didn’t realize the time commitment, dedication to the school, and fundraising efforts that were put into the school events and success of each class. All school events and the homecoming dance were planned by the class boards, and acted as fundraisers for senior prom. I gained the leadership skills of planning, fundraising, and organizing through being the Class Secretary my junior and senior year. Each of my experiences in high school, including being apart of the IB Program, a member of the varsity volleyball team, and the Secretary of my class, allowed me to develop my leadership skills and become an influence on the school that I attended.

 

     I earned and received the “Principal’s Award” at graduation this past June. I didn’t even realize I had been working so diligently for this type of award since my freshmen year of high school. I can vividly remember the genuine happiness that crawled through my body, in the form of chills, knowing that my dedication to my academics had paid off, after I reflected on my involvement and influences to the high school I attended. As I looked back on my experiences and my academic contributions, I can’t help but be nostalgic about the educational challenges I faced and leadership skills I developed throughout the last four years. I am thankful for my involvement within the IB Program and my class officer position, for allowing me to grow as a person and a leader both inside and outside of the classroom.