I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason.
The people we meet, the problems we face and the events that take place are all a part of our lives in order to make us into who we are supposed to be.
I had two shoulder surgeries that taught me how to stay positive and work through any obstacle, and I am now stronger than I ever could have imagined.
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer my freshman year which taught me that every day in my life is a precious gift to be cherished.
I’ve had people go in and out of my life in order to show me that I need to appreciate and value the people who mean the most to me, and some people come into our lives, but they aren’t meant to stay.
Along with this, everything I’ve been involved with in high school has made me into the person I am today.
Throughout my four years here, I can truly say that I have found myself.
I  know who I am.
I know my passions, personality traits and goals.
I’ve had a very diverse four years here, and I feel that this has been crucial in helping me find myself.
Let’s start with softball.
Being a part of the Lady Tiger softball team for four years has been one of the biggest blessings of my high school career.
I have made so many wonderful friendships I just know will last a lifetime.
But, beyond that, high school softball has shown me how quickly a small group of people can become a family.
Softball has shown me that hard work always beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
It’s taught me that we only have control of two things in life: our effort and our attitude.
Next up is newspaper.
I’ll admit it — I’m a nerd.
I absolutely adore writing, and I am so lucky to have found my niche here at BV to express this passion.
Being a part of the newspaper staff has taught me that deadlines are crucial, and we have to pull our own weight in life or else we let everyone else down.
It’s taught me how to relate to all different types of people.
It’s taught me how to interact with new people — I find it enjoyable getting to talk to so many unique personalities and hear their stories.
And last, but certainly not least, is choir.
My biggest regret of high school is not taking choir all four years.
Being a part of chorale and the musical this year has been, without a doubt, the single most life-changing activity I have been a part of.
The people in the choir department are really something else.
They all have such bright, unique personalities, and I honestly think that is the most important thing in life.
My choir friends have taught me being myself is the most important thing in life.
They have taught me that being passionate is a good thing — having passions makes life worth living.
I feel so blessed to have spent my last year here with these lovely people.
I have no doubt in my mind that many of the friendships I have made over these four years will be friends I keep for the rest of my life.
Through participating in all of these various activities, I learned there are so many different types of people. Everyone is unique and special, and this is a great thing.
To the underclassmen:
Don’t be afraid to take a chance.
Audition for the musical.
Speak in front of the entire school at the assembly.
Try something new.
Often times, the best moments in our lives occur when we are afraid, anxious or nervous.
“If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.”
Thank you, BV, for changing my life.
For welcoming me with open arms.
For making me into the person I am today.
For helping me find my passions.
Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.