Dear Present me: Senior year, right now, in this moment

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor

August 29, 2023

A picture of me my first day of senior year.

Yes, it’s finally here: my senior year.

It’s hard to believe the words “my” and “senior year” are in the same sentence. But, for some reason, whenever I think about senior year all that comes to mind is a waterfall of waterworks. I’m not ready to leave. I’m leaving the place I grew up. A building where I shed so many tears but also shared so many laughs with the people I loved. I guess the thing about senior year, or anything in general, is that no one is ever really ready; life just chooses when it wants to prepare you. Whether or not you’re ready for those changes, there’s no way to prevent them from happening.

I’ve heard various experiences from previous upperclassmen about what senior year was like for them, and now it’s my turn to be able to experience it. The feeling is quite surreal, and I honestly dread the day I’ll have to graduate and leave. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to graduate. We’re the oldest in the school, and that’s something I should be proud of; it took so much effort and time to get to where we are today.

It still hasn’t hit me that I’m a senior. In my mind, I keep thinking I’m a junior, but whenever I do make a crossroads with that realization, you’ll be sure to find me crying. I’m excited to leave, but I just can’t imagine a place where I can’t greet my teachers in the hallway or be with my friends in a building for six hours a day. Sure, there are hundreds of other schools in Michigan, and thousands more in the rest of the country, but that’s what makes FHC so special. Before I was a student, I was a Ranger, and I will always be a Ranger in my heart, even once I’m an alumna.

My body leaks with excitement just thinking about all the football games, dances, and senior events that I will attend this year because I want to make the most of this year. But amidst all the fun that comes with senior year, I will always make sure to land on top of my studies because I’m satisfied with the courses I have chosen.

Although I’ll miss the life that I’ve created here in Grand Rapids for the past seventeen years, I am eager to move on. This story might as well just be over, but senior year is not, and you and I are not done yet, either. So come along for the ride and see what happens.

About the Contributor

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor

Arpita is a senior entering her third and final year as a staff writer on The Central Trend. She has been a part of the Science Olympiad team since the 7th grade but made the tough decision choice to step down this year. However, Arpita still keeps herself busy working once a week with kids on Thursdays and being a part of clubs such as Model UN and DECA. When Arpita isn't writing, you will often find her rewatching The Flash on Netflix, playing the piano, doing press on nails, going on walks, studying at the library, and visiting new coffee shops. Despite the fact that it's her last year of high school, she is so excited to see what senior year has in store for her and is curious to see what pieces of writing she will produce. Car: A black Volvo SUV that goes by the name of Ali whom Arpita adores. Favorite food and color: The Fettuccine Alfredo from Olive Garden and Navy Blue Favorite class: Advanced Writing for Publication and Honors Model UN Favorite actor from The Flash: Grand Gustin, also known as Barry Allen Does she have an unhealthy obsession with The Flash? Yes, yes she does, and she always will!