It’s that time of year once again. Back to school. I personally have some very mixed feelings about being in class; especially since it’s my senior year. On one hand, I’m very relieved to be able to have a somewhat normal school day, but on the other hand, I’m not totally sure how long we are promised full class days due to Covid-19. It’s also a bittersweet feeling with it being my last year here at Lewis Cass. 

When I moved to Walton my freshman year, I honestly did not think I would enjoy my time here. Living in Rochester for most of my life, I really did not believe that this small farm-based town would feel anything like home. But in this past year, I’ve been able to really warm up to this place and develop some friendships that I know will last a lifetime. During the past summer, I would be busy doing something everyday. Whether that I would be working, spending time with my family, or goin on small adventures with friends, I can now say that I am so grateful to be around my fellow classmates everyday; although, the summer of 2020 was like no other. 

If the weather was decent and I wasn’t busy working, I would usually make some last minute plans to hang out with Averi Parker. We usually had no specific plan, but would come up with ideas as the day went on. We would do everything from going to the mall, tie dyeing some shirts, getting our nails done, or stopping at Arby’s at around 1:00am to pick up some root beer floats. There would also be nights where Averi and I would just drive around town jamming out to some of our favorite songs. Feeling the breeze blow through the window into my hair, and the leftover scent of sunscreen from swimming earlier was the most free feeling. I had absolutely no worries on my mind. We would even have days where we would hurry to find just enough cash to go buy some ice cream then go back to her house to watch some scary movies. We would spend hours talking just about everything going on in our lives, or we would be laughing so hard from small jokes that our stomachs would hurt. 

As cliche as it all sounds, I hadn’t had such a close friend like that for a long time. Even after all the gas money I owe her, she still continues to drive us around everywhere. We are always there for each other day in and day out. These experiences have really helped me come out of my shell; I don’t get as shy talking to people as I would a year ago. The memories will hold a special place in my heart for a lifetime. Averi was my partner in crime, and it will probably stay that way for a long time. 

When I first moved here, I was upset that I left all my close friends behind. I didn’t think I would make any new ones, or any that would feel the same. As much as I still keep in contact with my friends back home in Rochester, I am so happy to say that I have made even better friendships here at Cass. I try to stick by the saying to “live life to the fullest!” This past summer I realized that I need to try to have the most memorable time as a teenager living in the small town of Walton, Indiana.