My senior year was my era of growth. It was the season that I strived to grow into the woman I planned to become. I used this time to build lasting relationships and friendships that I would hold dear to my heart, as well as learning experiences that I would use as my wisdom.
During this year, I spent a vast amount of time with the Plano Senior Speech and Debate program. This program brought me closer to the people I would now consider part of my family.
This year, with the speech and debate program, we took a trip to the University of Texas for a tournament. During that trip we shared some of our top speeches we had been working on for weeks. We all went into it thinking we were rock hard and solid in our preparation, but soon enough we learned that maybe we weren’t so “rock hard and solid.” After not breaking into the next rounds, I was shot. However, I learned that sometimes it’s okay to lose and to recognize when you do or do not deserve things. I now knew coming out of this tournament that other kids took this tournament more seriously than I did. I also learned that if winning and wanting something so important to me that I would need to do everything possible to achieve that.
Most importantly what I took away from this trip were the memories that are forever lasting with my friends. Karaoke in the car, staying up past curfew, the lunch dates at the UT quad. We all learned sentimental things about each other that brought us closer together, or perhaps it was all our shared love for food. Regardless of the excuse, we all shared the time we spent together to grow closer to one another.
Having the opportunity to grow deeper bonds and push myself to experience challenges, shaped who I am today and what I know after my senior year. I recommend all incoming Plano Senior juniors to involve themselves. Find an organization that cherishes and flourishes your passions. Having a place that not only nourishes your passions, but also helps you find people who have similar interests while changing your highschool experience. Who knows, maybe it will shape the person you will become.
