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The power of doing what is best for YOU Karlie Saed ‘23
Photostory Editor
B
efore I even entered high school, I was bombarded with outside opinions on what classes I should take during my four years in order to be academically successful. I let the opinions of other students influence the decision-making of my schedule. What I wasn’t told was the wave of emotions I would experience when trying to balance the workload that I put on myself. When curating my junior year schedule, there was no doubt in my mind that AP Environmental Science would be on the list. I was only ever told
it was the “easiest” AP class that simply because I was unhappy Staples had to offer. But boy with the choices I had made. was I wrong. I was continuously And don’t get me wrong, it getting Cs on my unit tests, no is 100% okay to step out of your matter how many hours I put comfort zone and challenge into studying. My self-esteem yourself. But I should have was only getting lower and low- known from the start that ener each time I checked Power- rolling myself in a college-level School. I felt suffocated by the course that I couldn’t care less fat C that a b o u t looked It is important to stay o n l y right back I true to yourself and know meant at me. would be Ever y what is best for you. left unnight as satisfied. I opened my textbook, I deepIt is important to stay true ly regretted taking a class that to yourself and know what is I honestly had no interest in. best for you. I wish I could go My passions lay in English and back in time and tell my sophsocial studies, and I beat my- omore self that when choosing self up for pushing those aside. my classes. School suddenly felt Many tears were shed through- like a chore because I dreaded out the course of my junior year walking into class every day
Photo by Lily Rimm ’25 Graphics by Alex Gaines ’25 & Will Vanamee ’25
.THEIR CHOICES .
knowing I’d sit there with a blank stare on my face while watching the clock slowly rotate. I had little motivation left within me and felt like a failure. I am a consistent and dedicated student but I no longer felt that way. I let this one class define my potential both inside and outside of the classroom. I have learned from this moment that I will make decisions that are independent of what others tell me. In the end, I know myself best and can only do what feels right. By following your own path, you have the opportunity to create a life that is authentic, fulfilled and uniquely yours. I am no longer afraid to pave my own path and stop walking in one that has already been made.
. MY CHOICES .