Thank You, Verrado High
April 19, 2021
Dear Verrado High School,
I always heard that high school will fly by, but I deeply feel as if the years with you slipped through my fingers in a second. It was the year 2017 when I entered the high school world. For me, High school was seen as a big stepping stone. It was a tiny look into the grown-ups’ world, a small taste of reality. As much as that scared me, growing up was all I ever wanted to do.
Looking back now, I realize I don’t really want to grow up. The real world is scary quite honestly. Becoming an adult comes with a lot more than you think. With time I learned to appreciate these years, after all, time doesn’t stop for anyone. Things will always move forward. So, with time I must move forward myself. Meaning, I must look beyond you, Verrado. Which is much easier said than done. I struggled a lot with looking beyond, I feared it almost. As If I couldn’t let you go. Life after Verrado is a scary thing to think about after all. It is okay though, even If a path is blurry there is no set time you must walk it.
I genuinely appreciate every memory given to me by you, Verrado. Even if things weren’t always perfect. The people I have met, events here, and everything else makes it worth it. Despite if COVID-19 ruined my junior and senior year, it was still a unique experience that I will ramble on about when I am my parent’s age. So, Thank you. Thank you for the questions about having 3 walls, it was a great icebreaker many times. Thank you for the security guards, learning their “legacies” and nicknames was fun. Thank you for the football games, basketball games, dance shows, and fashion shows. Thank you for the amazing teachers, and the rest of the staff.
Soon, I will be moving to the next step, College. I will have to leave you behind.
I was fortunate enough to receive a full-ride offer to NAU, and with much time and consideration, I have decided to go through with the Estrella Community College nursing program linked with NAU. This wouldn’t have been possible without you, Verrado High School!
I hope you enjoyed your time with me, and the rest of the 2021 class!
With gratitude forever,
Angelique Garcia.
Jesalyn Martinez • Mar 29, 2022 at 11:09 AM
During my freshman orientation, I heard the words “It will fly by” but I didn’t actually believe it until I became a senior. Covid took two and a half years of school and experience which is why I don’t really remember even having any sophomore or junior memories. Now I’m at a point in life where I have to really sit down and think about where I’m going to start my new journey in life as an adult. Although I’m not ready and can’t imagine being on my own and fending for myself whether it’s family or friends. Life isn’t going to be easy but I’m also very excited about what it can open.
Ahreli Rivas • Mar 28, 2022 at 2:51 PM
I agree the high school experience does truly fly by like the blink of an eye. I was online for longer than most people because of complications with covid but the time I spent at Verrado is something memorable. I already have the structure of my adult life planned out like college and my job but I still fear next year. I am not ready to enter the depths of adulthood and truly fend for myself being in a new environment. As much as fearing life after high school the world is still going to go on. I am scared but excited for what’s to come next.
Raife • Mar 25, 2022 at 9:00 AM
I agree that high school flies by, it’s crazy that now I am a senior about to graduate. I also realize that I don’t want to be an adult and stay in the teenage world, but I know I can’t avoid any of that and I will have to experience the real world. Looking back I wished that I could go back and cherish all the amazing events like dances and assemblies. COVID-19 interfered with my sophomore and junior year making me miss two years of in-person learning and socializing with other people. My path is still very blurry, but I’m sure I will figure it out in the future.
Sebastian • Mar 25, 2022 at 8:41 AM
Time indeed does fly I remember my first day of High school as if it was just yesterday and look at me now I’m getting for graduation in a couple of weeks. It´s crazy to think my high school years are almost over and by then I would have to make a choice on where I´ĺl be attending college. At first, when I was small I would always want to be a grown-up already but now I´m scared and wish to still be a kid. But eventually, you are going to face reality so I am proud and happy to say I´m a Viper and will always remember Verrado. And how Angelique stated I have to move on to the next chapter of my life. And just like that in a catch of breath high is almost over.