THE SEASON OF LAST FIRSTS is upon us. As a member of the Class of 2025, I am wrapping up my journey as a John Carroll Patriot.

My years here have had nothing short of memorable experiences.

Freshman year was filled with COVID-19 restrictions and outdoor events. From the Homecoming Dance to school-wide Masses, Advisory, and lunch outside, we pushed forward and persevered.

For myself, it was playing my last year of soccer, playing on the varsity basketball team as a freshman, and gaining whole lot of new friends.

Sophomore year was filled with laughs and smiles. I picked up cross country and joined The Patriot staff: two communities I would not trade for the world. Friday Fun Nights were added to the calendar. Football games under the lights are what most of my Fridays looked like, and the cherry on top was that we were first class to have a pinning ceremony.

Junior year was nothing less than chaotic. Rigorous classes and an increased workload caused a pressure never before felt.

We prepared for the college application process and went on college tours and finally got to partake in the JC tradition of Ring. We had a full week of fun activities and ended the week with a great dance as a class.

Now, senior year is here. I cannot believe my time at JC is slowly dwindling away. Just yesterday I remember going into Freshman Orientation, getting assigned an advisory, and locating my classes for the very first time.

I am beyond scared for what is to come. Choosing a college or university, leaving friends and family behind, and lastly, saying goodbye to the place we have all called home for the last four years of our lives, are all things we must do before we know it.

These things are all unknown to me, but I know that with the preparedness I have received from JC, the friends that have my back, and the teacher relationships I have made, I know that I can accomplish my goals.

I want senior year to be gratifying; I want all the hard work to finally pay off. Most importantly, I want it to be united.

This year we have so many opportunities to increase our unity.

We have shared so many milestones together, and we are coming up to our last ones: Senior Retreat, Prom, Baccalaureate, and Graduation. Let’s do it hand-in-hand and end the year united together.