You can give it your all, but it might not last. For the past two school years, I’ve been a writer and editor for the Stagline, sharing other people’s stories. For my last one, I think I should share my own.
I used to believe that if I showed up, played my part, and achieved good grades, things would naturally fall into place. However, I’ve also come to realize that no matter how hard I try, the outcomes I desire aren’t always guaranteed.
This high school experience wasn’t my favorite, but it did provide me with clarity. While there were good days, the majority of my time was spent enduring difficult situations to maintain peace and move forward. I had a vision of myself I was striving to become, but I didn’t quite reach that goal. It hurts, and sometimes it gets the best of me. However, I also learned that some years don’t offer closure but leave you with unanswered questions that become tiresome.
I held back a lot, keeping my guard up almost all the time. I resisted opportunities and even my own potential in some instances, and I take credit for that. There are certain chapters I wish I could rewrite, and this is one of them. Despite this, I learned that not every book has a happy ending that makes it worth telling.
With that, the most significant takeaway I’ve gained is that every individual’s journey, regardless of their final destination, is worth documenting. While growth may not always be pleasant, it provides direction. If something doesn’t resonate with you, speak up promptly. Don’t let it accumulate into something more significant. It’s not worth it. The more you learn to recognize this, the less explaining and pressure you’ll feel.
Working on stories for the Stagline has honed my communication skills and emphasized the significance of sharing others’ experiences. My future remains uncertain, as college feels more like a question mark than an exclamation point. However, I leave this chapter with a newfound sense of honesty and awareness. I have gained a clearer understanding of my needs, what feels right, and what doesn’t.
Some things remain unresolved, some stories conclude without a triumphant ending, and some things are simply meant to be left unfinished. They simply end without a final applause, any explanation, but I continue forward, not seeking closure, but rather embracing honesty.
Thanks for reading!
– Devin Lewis, Class of 2025
