A person’s senior year is supposed to be the most exciting chapter of high school. It’s the year filled with many milestones like prom, graduation, senior photos, and making the big decision of where to go for college. 

For many seniors these milestones are shared with the people they love most. But for other students, those moments can carry a different kind of weight because someone important is missing. 

While friends talk about going dress shopping with their moms, taking graduation pictures together, and hearing their mom cheer the loudest for them in the crowd, it feels bittersweet at times. As a little girl I never knew how profound those moments would be without having my mother there by my side. 

Even though my mother may not be there to watch me receive my diploma or help influence where I should begin my next chapter, I don’t want to waste another second without being certain that she is proud of everything I’ve accomplished. 

Every accomplishment, every honor role, and every milestone that I’ve reached becomes something deeper than just a high school memory. Over the years it’s become more of a way to honor the parent who would have been incredibly proud. 

Senior year will be the most memorable year by far because I want to spend everyday making an impact on people’s lives. I want to give them hope that they can achieve anything no matter their past. There was a reason I was put in this position and I believe that it was so I could help others. 

To me, senior year is more than just a cap and gown, it’s the moment I get to prove to everyone that anything is possible no matter what life throws at you.