Reflections
Freshman(2021-2022)
Freshman year was a big transformation for me. I was transitioning to high from a unique middle school experience because of the pandemic. Thanks to that I was a little behind on some subjects like my peers and did not know how high school would work. End the end it was not as bad as I thought, I used to get overwhelmed with the hundreds of people in the school and completing class work that I did not know how to do. Eventually, I got used to that chaos and learned how to be a better student.
For me, picking what I wanted to do was the most challenging thing I had to deal with. I came into the STEM program wanting to do something computer related, but I ended up enjoying engineering too and that opened many options as to what to do in the future. I was really confused as to what I wanted to do at that point, but end the end I realized that i still had time to figure that out.
Sophomore(2022-2023)
My sophomore year helped me realize how fast high school is passing by. Being halfway through high school reminds me of how I'm almost finished and what responsibilities I'm going to have to take. This year I had to deal with joining different clubs and organizations, thinking about future career options, what I'm going to do for college, and getting good grades. However, in a few months, I will be worried about fixing my GPA or maybe getting a job.
It shows how much I changed and grown over the years I've been at Sprayberry. My ability to manage my activities, communicate with others, and figure out more about myself have all improved since freshman year. I think the most challenging thing I had to grasp is how to balance my school and home life together. I discovered my love for performing arts, but on top of that I love figure skating and, being in all of the organizations and clubs that i'm in. Finding a balance between all of my extracurriculars was and still is a hard thing to work out, but I'm learning to think about what I should prioritize and what can be left behind.
Junior(2023-2024)
My junior year has definitely been the most challenging and transformative part of high school so far. It hit me just how close graduation is and how real the pressure can feel when you’re trying to balance academics, college planning, and figuring out your future. Between prepping for the SAT, writing research papers, and diving deeper into STEM classes, I felt like I was constantly juggling ten things at once. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, especially trying to keep up with hard classes while also staying active in clubs and working on my portfolio. But through all of that, I started to understand what I’m really passionate about and how to handle more responsibility without letting the stress take over.
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This year also showed me how much I’ve grown since freshman year—not just academically, but personally. I learned to speak up more, lean into leadership roles, and take initiative in things that matter to me. One of the hardest but most rewarding lessons has been learning how to manage my time and energy between school, extracurriculars, and my own well-being. Whether it’s figure skating, coding, or being part of my drama club, I’m realizing the importance of prioritizing what fulfills me. I’m still figuring it all out, but I feel more prepared and self-aware than ever before. Junior year really pushed me, but it also proved to me that I’m capable of more than I thought.
Senior(2024-2025)
Senior year has been a mix of excitement, stress, and a lot of reflection. Everything feels more real—college applications, final grades, scholarship deadlines—like I’m standing at the edge of something big. It’s definitely been overwhelming at times, especially with trying to finish strong academically while also preparing for the next chapter of my life. But through it all, I’ve learned how to advocate for myself more, trust my instincts, and stay focused on my goals even when things get tough. I’ve put so much effort into my classes, especially my research project, and I’m proud of the growth I’ve seen in myself.
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What really stood out this year is how much I’ve come to appreciate the journey. I’ve grown more confident in my voice, my passions, and what I want out of life after high school. I’ve learned that it's okay to not have everything figured out yet—and that progress matters more than perfection. Balancing my love for tech, performing arts, and clubs hasn’t gotten any easier, but I’ve gotten better at knowing what’s worth my time and energy. Senior year reminded me that I’ve come so far since freshman year, and no matter where I go next, I’m walking away with a better understanding of who I am and what I’m capable of.
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