16 Lessons

            There are only 16 days left before the school year of 2012-2013 is over. Only 16 days left of calling myself a junior.

            This year is a perfect example of how time flies. I have learned and experienced hundreds of lessons that will impact me for the rest of my life. Not everything has gone exactly according to plan, but looking back I wouldn’t change a thing.

            The biggest lesson I learned this year is that things won’t always be perfect. The best example I have is, 8 months ago my best friend moved away. This was one of the hardest transitions I ever had to go through. I quickly learned that things won’t be how they used to be.  With different time zones, new friends, and busy schedules, people grow apart and long distance relationships (of all kinds) take more work than I am usually willing to put into them. Other relationships are worth the work.

            I made a major change in my life when I joined the Beulah High School Cheer Team. Celebrating victory and victory again was incredible. Getting to know the football and basketball team and learning how determined and dedicated these guys were, inspired me to never give up until it truly is over. I’ll never forget all of the joy, memories, and tears I’ve shared with these people.

            As I turned 17, I learned what it means to be a true friend and how easy it is to make a difference in someone’s life. I took chances, like letting a complete stranger move in with me and opening myself up to different friends. Through this I have gained not one, but two new best friends. Others have taught me exactly what I don’t want to be.

            I know these aren’t all the important things that have happened to me, but they are the stories that have stuck out to me the most. My junior year has taught me to watch what I say. It’s easier to learn through other people’s stories than your own, and its okay to let go sometimes. Doing stupid things is part of high school. I know when my senior year comes, I will make a thousand more mistakes. I’m okay with that though. I’ll just add it to my list of 16 lessons and keep on moving on with life. 

The Typical Crazy Stressful Busy Working Teenage Life

“Ring, Ring, Ring”

I can’t be late today. I just can’t, not again. I run out of the school doors straight for the parking lot. I have no choice but to ignore my friends’ waves of goodbye. I drive straight to Tesoro.  Sprinting to the bathroom I pull on my black pants and visor. I’m ready and it’s only… 3:35. Of course, I’m late. I ignore the glares of the day ladies as I walk into the tiny back of Subway and punch in.

Not only am I late, but I’m also hungry. No, more like starving. There is no chance that I will ever get to eat until the supper rush is over. Sometimes I don’t even get a break at all. I guess stealing pickles from the bane will have to suffice for now. The hours go by 4,5,6,7. Seriously! Does everybody have to eat at Subway today? There has been a line out the door for three hours! I feel like a robot.

“What can I get for you?” What kind of cheese?” “Would you like the works?

 I have all these phrases memorized. I know how to make every sub by heart. This job isn’t hard, but I just want to go home.

 I can’t stop thinking about the assignment that is due at 11:00 p.m. I need to submit it on time. My grade cannot go down. It’s now 9 p.m., then 10. How am I going to study for the history test and get all my algebra done? Finally, 10:30, closing time.  I’m leaving. I speed home to turn in my online assignment at 10:59. What a relief!  Now time to study and teach myself Algebra. At last 1 o’clock a.m…time for bed. I can’t wait to wake up and do it all over again tomorrow.

Foreign Exchange

Ever since I was a freshman in high school, my sisters have abandoned me for the college life. I have been left in Beulah as an only child. I did not like being alone. The house was too quiet and I had no one to help me with Algebra. Something must be done. Then came my first encounter a foreign exchange student. A girl from Thailand needed a home and I needed a new sister. Bingo! I just solved my problem! A girl named Bam moved in with us, and although we were completely different and two years apart, we were best friends. I was devastated when Bam moved away at the end of the school year. I was an only child again. I completed my sophomore year by myself, feeling like something was missing.

This year, I had my second encounter with the foreign exchange student program. Again, a girl from Germany needed a new family and I quickly offered to be her host sister. It took some convincing, but my parents finally agreed to become a host family again. As soon as Emy walked in the door, I knew we would get along great. As the news reporter said, “We connected faster than magnets.” Emy and I are practically the same person from different countries. We are always laughing and having an awesome time. She has become my best friend.

Being a host sister can be a lot of work. It can be a lot of pressure knowing that it is up to me if they have a positive or negative experience in America. But I know the pros outweigh the cons. I have grown as a person from hosting two foreign exchange students. I have a better sense of culture and have made a difference in two girl’s lives. I will never regret my decision to share my family and my high school years. I have gained two amazing friends! If anyone is thinking of hosting a foreign exchange student I would definitely recommend it.  It is an amazing opportunity that I wouldn’t change for the world!