How did we get here so fast? This year will be the final year of high school for the class of 2024, bringing many last firsts. The last first football game of the season, the last lunch in the cafeteria with friends, and the last first day of school. 

Senior year comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Though for many, it still seems like an eternity, reminiscing gives a chance to relive moments in the past that many adults would go back to in a heartbeat. 

“I’ll miss the excitement of getting your schedule for the first time before school starts and trying to see who’s in your class,” Senior Sophie Fernandez said.

As seniors reflect upon their fondest memories, they’re excited about their high school finale.

“I’m excited to be done with college applications, but of course, I’m most excited for graduation and prom,” Senior Ananya Swaminathan said. “The venue looks like a cute little construction site.”

Not only will students miss seeing their friends every day in class, but many teachers have also significantly influenced them over the years.

“Mr. Wenokur had a relationship with us that stood out from other teachers that I’ll always remember,” Senior Armaan Jabir said. “He didn’t just teach us content but was also a life mentor who deeply cared for us. I’ll definitely miss him after graduation.”

Of course, teachers who stood on the construction site of Emerson also feel a sense of bittersweetness as they watch the class of 2024 grow from immature sophomores fresh out of quarantine into young adults.

“The class graduating this year is collectively the most insane group of kids ever,” AP English Language teacher Mr. Wenokur said. “They are relentless in their pursuits of intellectualism, they are brilliant, and they work hard. I have the utmost confidence I’ve ever had teaching as I send this group out into the world.”

While the thought of graduation and applying to college may be hard to accept for some, teachers are confident in the capability of their students and wish them support for their new chapter in life. 

“I know that I used to jokingly say ‘be bold, be first, be curious’ in all kinds of nonrelated manners and irrelevant moments,” English and AP Seminar teacher Ms. Miandara said. “But I do think it’s a great way to guide yourself. Always ask yourself, ‘Why am I doing what I’m doing?’ Good luck! Love you guys!”

So, for the last year of high school, let’s adjust to the thought of letting the comfortable go, savor the small moments and the laughter of friends, and remember the lessons learned at Emerson, no matter how far our journey takes us.