High school. Four years of my exciting life has now come to a close, and frankly, it is bitter sweet. As a freshman and sophomore, I just couldn’t wait for senior year. I quickly realized how fast things go. No more Friday night football games. No more rowdiness in the student section. Although fun times will still continue in college, it is time to get serious with my career path. I just cannot wrap my head around all of this.
Hastings High was a wonderful high school. There were so many opportunities, and I like to think that I’m leaving as a respected person. I played football, had a little fun playing intramural basketball, or better known as IBA. I was also an FMP mentor, and was Student Council vice president this year. I appreciated every moment spent doing these activities, and the bonds that I made within each activity will last. Breaking out of my comfort zone was interesting, and I met tons of new people by doing so!
Along with the bitterness of graduating, I’m excited. I’m excited to be lucky enough to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, and I plan on majoring in Athletic Training. Like I said earlier, playing under the lights on Friday nights is no longer an option for me, but I am lucky enough to get to play college football. To that, I wanted to thank the coaching staff, especially Coach Erik Emerson. He and the rest of the staff pushed me to my limits everyday in practice, and never let me settle for anything less than my best. My parents were also very supportive of me, and they never missed a game. I honestly can’t thank these people enough for helping me in my endeavors and achieving my dream of playing college football.
I enjoyed my time here at Hasting High. I thought the teachers did a great job of preparing me for my future. The classes I took were tougher than some of the others available, and I thought the teachers did a great job of being flexible and always having time to help. Many of them were very energetic and just a joy in class. The teachers, to me, are more respectable than the credit they receive. Their main priority is to raise the number of graduation rate at HHS, and to better Hastings High’s reputation.
If I were to give incoming freshmen advice on what to do to make the best of their high school years, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be yourself. You can’t change who you are, especially in an effort to make yourself “popular” or to fit in with the cool crowd. Also, getting involved will make high school ten times as enjoyable. Whether it is sports, or debate, or newspaper, activities will help teach time management. Another thing is that you need to pick the right friend group. Friends are what will always be there for you, through thick and thin. You need to pick the type of people who will lead you down the right path, and will care about your success.
No matter what, I want you to realize how fast high school will pass. Do not take anything for granted. Always wake up for class with a smile on your face, and make the best of what’s to come! This is Tyler Musgrave, with my final sign off.
