Pride by Zack Dresser
As a senior in high school I’ve found that I have a lot of time to look back and reflect on the choices that I made in the past. As I await the news of my college application, I think about my transcript and my grades. As I run meetings on Thursday mornings as student council president, I think about the choices I made as a leader in the past. When I go to work as a dining room manager, I reflect on my hours of hard work there over the past years.
My time as a high schooler is quickly coming to an end and I have found a certain appreciation for the work that I have put in to get where I am today. A lot of change is over the horizon for me and I cannot help but feel an unremitting sense of pride for the past 3 years of my life. I have learned a lot in high school, in and out of the classroom, and I am truly proud of it.
One thing that I am specifically proud of is my improvement in English literacy skills. I am a substantially better writer of formal essays and articles because of the literature I’ve read and teachings I’ve received in high school. I’ve had four amazing english teachers in high school and all of them inspired me to become a better writer and student. These teachers helped me access a skill that I never knew I had. And it’s not only the skill of writing that I’m mostly impressed with, but the tangible proof of improvement and personal growth. I knew that I was a bad writer at one point, and through hard work and teacher collaboration I was able to create some amazing work.
Another thing that I have seen a lot of growth in is my communication skills. As a freshman, three years ago, I enjoyed speaking to others and in front of groups, but not at the level I do now. Being heavily involved in my school community has been really rewarding. I have learned how to talk to professionals, give presentations, and function in a productive environment.
Having worked so hard in high school has paid off in many ways. Although school never took over my life, I was very dedicated to my schoolwork and doing so has provided me with an overall feeling of self-empowerment and pride. Although my grades were never phenomenal, they were good, and looking back I am proud that I managed to get them with everything that was on my plate.
Having this time to think back has taught me a few things. Pride does not have to be something that surrounds a certain event, but it can be a feeling that lingers after a series of events or years of hard work. This lesson makes me appreciate the accomplishments that I’ve achieved in the past. This makes my work in the present seem more valuable and important.
