And so it ends...

...but with quite a different outcome than T.S. Eliot would've intended. Today, my last official day of high school, ended, not with a whimper, but with a bang.

The start of the day was a little rocky when I woke up to find that I had slept through my alarm (what else is new really) and was going to be an hour late to school. It didn't bother me terribly--it was my last day, so any menial form of misconduct would basically be overlooked. It had been raining hard all night and morning, so I dressed accordingly relishing the opportunity to wear my trench coat (it's only once in a blue moon in Texas that one gets to sport this particular style of awesomeness), but when I walked outside, the rain had stopped, and the sky was clearing. While I didn't get to wear the classic attire, I looked at the shining sun, took it as a sign, and smiled: today was going to be a good day.

And it really was.

As expected, there was no classwork to be had, but instead I was able to spend quality time with friends, watch part of Star Wars for the first time (this seems to be a big surprise for most, so shut up- I know), watch an entertaining basketball game, and see a great movie (Pans Labyrinth) after school with good company. There was no stress, no drama, and nothing bothersome; it was simply a good day to relax and embrace everything.

Spending 13 years at the same school may seem like a long time, but when I look back, it is true what everybody says; it goes by in the blink of an eye. Filled with memories (good, bad, intriguing, funny, embarrassing, and interesting to say the least), friends, inspiring teachers, lessons (academic and pertaining to real life), lots of change, stories, movies, and so much more, I wouldn't trade these years for anything. It may have seemed annoying and rough at times, but as graduating seniors, we can say that we made it and are now on our way to new and exciting things.  

Music is often a good way to express a feeling, and the songs that came on as I drove home were perfect. I smiled when U2's "It's a Beautiful Day" came on and turned up the volume. The sky was darkening with storm clouds, but on the horizon there were breathtaking cloud formations in varying shades of pink and blue. With the windows rolled down I could smell the fresh air and feel the cooling wind that arrives with impending rain. It was a beautiful day, and the perfect atmosphere to end the school year; as is the way that all good stories usually end, I was given the chance to ride off into the sunset. Michael Buble then came on singing about how "the best is yet to come" in perfect succession. Friends will be missed, memories cherished, and tears shed for what is being left behind. But never fear, with college and a whole life to be lived ahead, it's important to realize that yes... the best is yet to come.