Buzzin’ Down Memory Lane
Different Journeys to the Same Destination
August 25, 2013: The first day of Freshman year for Hillside High School’s current Seniors. As the clock just began to tick for the Class of 2017, they’re already starting to think about their post-secondary plans, fears and hopes, and their most memorable experiences since Freshman year. Seniors start to become nostalgic by recalling their first friendships, work ethic, and actions from Freshman through Junior year. Class of 2017 also reflects on how much they’ve grown since Freshman year. Here’s what some of the LEN17ARY Class of 2017 Hornets thought.
When asked how her relationships have grown from Freshman year to Senior year, Brittany Brown, a Lovely Lady of Lambda Zeta Chi, explains, “We’ve had our up’s and down’s, but...we’ve got over them, we’re still friends to this day.” However, Jamila Mckoy, a student-athlete, responds with, “One of them [friendship] failed, but the other two grew by us realizing we had the same interests...and we became best friends.” The friendship journeys between each Senior demonstrates the various ways a route can go. Academically, the seniors feel that they should’ve done things differently. Precious Hawkins, Newspaper Staff Member, replies that she should’ve “stayed to herself and focused academically.” Brown also replied with, “I wish I could go back and...score higher and on Mr. Christman’s tests.”
Although the Seniors felt that they should’ve changed some things, they also reflected on their great experiences within their extracurricular activities. Some even developed leadership roles. Adora Harris, Student Body Vice President, talks about her transition from being Class Secretary since Sophomore year to Student Body Vice President this 2016-2017 school year. She explains, “I was really shy Freshman year, so Sophomore year, I was like ‘I can try new things,’ so I tried SGA and now here I am Student Body Vice President.”
August 29th, 2016 was the Seniors’ Last First Day of High School, which was felt throughout the school’s community. Most of the Senior class was excited to show up to school without the help of parents or bus drivers, leave school early due to absence of a fourth period, and enjoy the benefits of Senior Year. With these benefits become responsibility of the seniors leaving the nest. Seniors speak on their hopes and fears for their future. Mckoy hopes to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and study psychology or pharmacy. While Hawkins plans to attend North Carolina Central University and study fashion, and later opening her own clothing boutique. Brown also expects to attend college on a bowling scholarship and become a criminal psychologist. Harris admits, “I don’t know where I’m going to college yet, but I know I want to go to college and become a physical therapist. I want to also study abroad and travel the world.” All hornets begin buzzing down the same path, but as the years progress, paths are changed. The only thing that stays the same is their destination: Graduation in 2017.
