This is my last week in the Hell we call high school. Thank goodness that these four dreaded years are coming to a close.
Alright, I'll admit it, it wasn't that bad. I really do feel that most of the classes I've taken have benefited me in some way. Like, for example, my freshman classes weren't too bad. I had Mrs. Bartlett for my English teacher and she made me first realize how much I love learning about English and how much I love to write. Mr. Ficke was my sophomore English teacher and I was extremely wary to be in his class. I had heard some pretty scary things about him. But he turned out to be one of the most beneficial teachers I've had so far. His class really pushed me to think outside of the box and to not rely on my natural love of English to let me glide through the year. I actually had to put effort and thought into his assignments (his class was the first time I had ever gotten a B on my grade report). Mr. Thies is to thank for giving me my first C on my transcript. He was one tough teacher, but it's the hard ones that are always the best.
As an artist I have felt compelled to try and take as many art classes as possible. Throughout my four years I've had the privilege of having Mrs. Copeland as my drawing and painting teacher. She was an art major at Fort Hays (go Tigers!) and was definitely inspirational to me. I loved the fact that she tried to focus as much on art history as she did the elements and principles of design. I mean, anyone can do art, but if you don't understand the reason why someone does art then what is the point? She is one of those teachers who is intent on making sure you are ready for college. With her help, my AP Studio Art class was the most strenuous, but rewarding, class that I've ever taken. Mr. Allman is also on my list of most memorable teachers. There is really no way of describing him, so hopefully you have the pleasure of running into him (Hopefully not while you're both driving. Then you probably won't like him and he definitely won't like you). He is an ever-spouting fountain of knowledge when it comes to photography and has taught me so much.
I feel like I should dedicate an entire paragraph to Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis is currently my AP Government teacher and he is the coolest person I've ever met. From the first day that I tentatively walked into his class he has been nothing but caring to every one of his students. He makes an effort every day to individually ask each person in the class how they are doing. He also makes time in the class period to have personal conversations with everyone. At the same time, he is just a really good teacher. He knows what he's talking about and he relays it in an intelligent, but easy to understand, manner. Even though I suck at history and government, being in his class has made everything worthwhile.
Most of my high school days have been spent pushing through those annoying couples making out in the hallways, or complaining about how much homework I have to do (thanks to Tyler, Sharon, and my Studio Art friends for listening to me vent on the daily). Much of my free time has been spent sitting on my bed, studying something or other. My stress levels have definitely been tested and at times I just wanted to lay on the floor and cry. I'm not an exemplary student and I don't quite have a 4.0 GPA, but I'm pretty dang proud that I can say that I've tried my best.
I don't think I'll miss much of high school. I won't miss the boring classes, or the library staff, or the snappy supervisors, or incompetent people, or lazy teachers. But there are definitely a few aspects of the last four years that have helped me get to where I'm headed in life.
So yeah, this next week is going to suck with finishing finals. But then I'm going to graduate and be done with high school forever.
It's going to be awesome.
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