High school does not have to be hell, but rather can be a little slice of heaven.

Mari Knehans - Opinions Editor
September 14, 2010
Filed under Note to Self

Notify Blair Waldorf: Westminster senior class of 2011 is breaking through the social hierarchy.  Unlike the characters from Gossip Girl, many seniors will attest to the fact that our class is developing into a true community.  Thoughts of insecurity have diminished, and smiles are exchanged between people from all realms in the hallway. 

I now consider fellow classmates who intimidated me as a freshman, my friends.  While this new development is remarkable in and of itself, I cannot help but question – Why now? What sparked this sense of unconditional love? 

I have heard a variety of different responses.  Some would accredit this developing unity to the opportunities Westminster offers to rising seniors.  The class forms an integrated whole through experiences under the umbrella of class trips.  While I believe that bonding does occur in the hills of South Dakota, the mountains of Washington, and the beautiful architecture of Europe, not everyone chooses to embark on these adventures.  Therefore, increasing class bonding cannot solely be attributed to these trips. 

Others would consider the greater maturity of each individual as the source of new friendship.  The senior mentality stems from the simple fact and realization that we are seniors.  We are above the silly social divisions and complications.  As we have become more comfortable with ourselves, we have also become more comfortable with each other.  We are able to be more accepting and understanding of our classmates and actually listen to people who may have previously seemed beneath us. 

Why is this great feat conquered in the last year of high school?  Why are the walls of judgments built in the first place?  Why not freshman year?  How about now? 

Underclassmen of Westminster, the teenage years are hard and awkward enough without the labels and pressure we put on each other.  Hating high school is a common sentiment, but when reflecting upon what made it so horrible, most would reiterate the desire to fit-in. 

As a person who shared this frustration and fear, I can honestly say that the definition of “fitting-in” is relative.  Some see it as being the most popular, well-liked person in school; whereas, others just simply want to be invited to see a movie on Friday night.  Obviously, not everyone can achieve the first option, but the second is more feasible. 

I am not saying to pity others in your class.  Pity is not what a person who feels ostracized or irrelevant needs.  All people truly crave is love – unconditional, understanding, accepting love.  It’s all about embracing each other’s differences and loving the similarities.  High school does not have to be hell, but rather can be a little slice of heaven.