The map of Forest Hills has been engraved in my brain. My whole life, I’ve lived in the same house, I’ve walked down the same streets, and I’ve grown up here. If someone asked me to, I could probably draw a pretty accurate map from my memory. But with these places, I have so many memories tied down to each place.

I could tell you about the people and all the things I’ve done in each spot. I can remember my elementary school, and I could probably still name half the kids who were in my class. I can remember the playground where I got stung by a bee in 3rd grade. I can remember my best friend’s house, the house where we pushed each other in the pool in our clothes. There are so many ties to places I feel, pulling me along throughout this map.

But, Forest Hills Central High School has been the focus of this map for the past four years. The good and the bad– it’s all there. I have so many memories that have been placed within me from the past four years here. Everything has revolved around high school for so long, but now, things are about to change.

So to everyone who has been involved in my life at FHC the past four years, thank you. Thank you for shaping me into the person that I am today. I am so grateful for my time spent here and thankful for the many great people around me. Thank you for giving me happiness, but also, thank you for giving me struggle. Every single moment here has had a larger impact on me than you’ll ever know. Goodbye FHC, and thank you for spending this portion of my life with me.

I know it’s now time for me to create a new path. I am happy that after spending my time here, I am going to be moving on to bigger and greater things I never thought were possible. I am ready to face the trials and triumphs that lie ahead. In my next chapter, I am ready to embrace everything that is to come. This place will always hold a part of my heart. I will always remember these moments, but it is the right time for me to move forward and find a new place in the world.

As I prepare to go on to the next chapter of my life, I know that this map of Forest Hills may lose its sharpness. Some things may become fuzzy and blurred, but I know the person I am today would not be the same if it weren’t for this school. My map is about to become a bit bigger, and I might just follow it wherever it’s going to take me.