“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” — John C. Maxwell 

Whether you’re just now beginning your high school journey or leaving it behind, change is no easy thing, but it’s the growth that can result that matters.

As I’m nearing the end of the college application process, I’ve realized that every minute of every retreat, sport, and club I’ve participated in at John Carroll was worth it.

As a transfer student during my sophomore year, I didn’t think any of that was possible. It was my first year at JC. I was confined and set boundaries with myself that I thought I’d never cross. I’d tell myself, “You’ll never do that,” or “That could never be me,” but here we are.

I thought change was a choice, and I could avoid it, but it’s unavoidable, so make it count.

Progressing as a student has its challenges, but growing as a person can be difficult, which is why embracing every opportunity, doing the things you love, and figuring out who you are matter the most.

When I transferred, I began small. I began making new friends and adjusting to a change that, in all honestly, was uncomfortable. I had to meet new teachers and adjust to a uniform I wore daily. It was a whole new world that I never in a million years thought I’d be able to take on.

Nevertheless, freshmen, your journey is just starting, and it may seem overwhelming. While you have so much time ahead of you, you can never start too early or too late.

My freshman year, I was unsure of everything. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, what hobbies I really enjoyed, or which people I wanted to be around. However, with time, I found my path and grew as a person. I hope you do the same.

Sophomores, I can’t say I’ve had the same experience, but this would be the year to truly take in the smallest moments; have fun on retreats, hang out with friends, and pick the classes you find interesting.

When I came to JC in my sophomore year, I embraced the uncomfortable. I joined various leadership clubs like SGA, the newspaper, and sports, which was shocking, but I began to look on the bright side.

Junior year had its ups and downs, but it truly paved the way for who I wanted to become. It can be stressful, especially researching colleges and having five tests in the same week, but believe me, you’ll make it.

There is the reoccurring assurance needed from academic successes, but believe me, those grades do not define you.

It can become tempting to want to apply to every college that gets sent in the mail or join every club at the beginning of the year, but do it for you, not for an application.

Learn to grow and be better the next time and learn from the challenges and awkward situations. Be able to reflect on those moments and say, “I did it.”

Throughout it all, I learned to accept the uncomfortable and indulge in every opportunity that sprung my way.

As a Patriot, learn to strive for success and do what you love for yourself, not for the approval of others.

Pursue the sports you’ve always wanted to try; make those new friends, and aim toward your dream — for you.