If I’m writing this article, I must be a senior. But it feels weird to be a senior, even though I’ve spent this whole year being one. The truth is, no matter how many times you’ve heard it from past graduates, senior year is one of the most bittersweet experiences. Everything we’ve known for eighteen years is coming to an end so that everything else can launch into action. Never in my life have I been so excited to go, yet so reluctant to leave the comfortable life I’ve built. Ready or not, a cyclone is coming (pun intended, go ISU) and it’s taking me with it to a new place, with new people, and new classes. Not much will be the same, but I think we’ve all found peace with this. We’re smiling because it happened, maybe crying because it’s over, but one thing is certain: we know it’s time to let go.

This article might be a whirlwind of ideas, but I’ve learned over the course of high school that my personality doesn’t stay inside the lines either. So, to my family, this change will be tough. Mom, this will be especially challenging for you, I know, because you cry every time I mention anything in relation to graduating… without fail. Until I leave in August, I’ll try not to say “college” too much, and I promise to give you as many hugs as you need. You have no idea how much I’ll miss you, or our time spent together, and the comfort of seeing your face every day. I am so lucky to have you as my best friend and know you’ll always be there, whether it be for shopping or advice. Of all of the people in the world, no one has done as much for me as you have. Though I’ll spend my whole life being grateful, I’ll never be able to thank you enough. Dad, I know this won’t be an easy one for you either, even though you have a stronger grip on your emotions than Mom. All of the nights we’ve spent singing at the top of our voices in the car, all of the time we’ve spent talking about books, or laughing about The Office, hold such a special place in my heart. You’ve encouraged me to be patient and persistent in everything I do and have always treated me as an adult, even when I’m not acting like one. Not a day will go by where I won’t miss seeing you and hearing your goofy remarks. I promise I’ll have lots of (actual) good stories to tell you when I come back to visit. Mom and Dad, thank you for making me the person that I am today. Everything I am, I am because of you. Since we’re both embarking on this journey of being alone, we’ll navigate through it together. Because there is no other way to give it justice, I’ll put it like this: I hit the jackpot with you guys. And no matter how old I get or how far away I go, I will always be your little boo.

To everyone else left in high school, and to my classmates who I may not see again, don’t forget how special and loved you are. High school is four years, and we spend most of it learning and researching and filling our brains with information that we’ll soon forget. But the reality is this: we are more than these four years. We are more than the people who kick us when we’re down, and we are more than the successes we find. You can look up an answer, you can ask Siri or Alexa a question, but you can’t google what sets your heart on fire. This spark must be found within yourself, and you should spend your whole life feeding the flame.

To my friends, I haven’t forgotten about you just yet, and know this: I never will. You have stuck by my side when no one else did and made high school an experience better than I could have imagined. I’m feeling a final “cry-fest” headed our way as college draws nearer… ah, how emotional we were in the middle school days. I wouldn’t be able to get through the day if it wasn’t for your constant support and thousands of ways to make me laugh. And to the lucky people you’ll meet in college, I know you will fill them with happiness the very same way you have filled me. You make my heart so full.

Next year I’m studying journalism and design, so it seems fitting to end this article by thanking a very special someone who made the world of journalism a home for me. Mrs. Wagner, if there were words beyond “thank you,” I would use them. Every opportunity I had these past three years was made possible by you, and I am so grateful you believed in me every step of the way. Being Editor-in-Chief with the best Co-Editor I could have asked for was a big responsibility, and it warms my heart in a million ways that you trusted me to fill this position. Leaving The Xpress will be one of the hardest parts of senior year and saying goodbye to you will be a tough pill to swallow. I assure you I will be back soon enough to add more shimmies to your life.

Once a Saint, always a Saint, but now it’s time to be a Cyclone. Thank you, Xavier High School, for the most incredible journey.

Sidney Scott

Editor-in-Chief