Before entering high school, none of us knew what to expect. We only knew what we saw in movies.

Would there be a rigid clique system? Would bullies throw me into trashcans? Would I be pressured into the scary world of sex, drugs, and rock & roll?

But then freshmen year, we realized everything was different. No “scary seniors” shoved us into cramped lockers. There were no hilariously cliche lunchroom mishaps. And no one vandalized our lockers with obscene names.

Instead, we walked into a world where everything was amazing and new. Sure, we had no idea where anything was, but with the help of teachers and friendly upperclassmen we found our way–eventually. Reconnecting with friends from middle school was fun, but actually trying to make new friends was a great experience. Yeah, we were really awkward in the beginning, and of course pretty lame, but we came through unscathed. Aside from at pep rallies, we felt that we actually belonged.

Then sophomore year, we returned, feeling brave and more confident in our surroundings. We joined any club that offered food at their introduction meetings; little did we know that some of these clubs would continue to be a positive influence in our lives. We began to really understand our teachers, and they tried their best to understand us. We became less awkward and more comfortable. Somehow we managed to be even more immature than we were as freshmen, but we had fun regardless.

Junior year, we put the jokes aside and actually focused on schoolwork as the stress of senior year and college options loomed over our heads. We signed up for all the AP classes we could, and soon regretted it as our backpacks grew heavier and heavier. We frenzied to rack up volunteer hours and awards for resumes. Even though we were stressed and tired, at least we were upperclassmen, right? Pep rallies were more entertaining as we fiercely battled, and lost, against the seniors in shouting contests. More importantly, we had survived 3/4ths of high school (slow clap for us, right?).

Now senior year has come and gone. Some of us let the senioritis take control back in August, some of us are fighting this illness until the bitter end. I won’t say this year has been easy and stress free; It’s been God awful on my patience and nerves. But between handling mentally taxing group projects, waiting patiently for college decisions, praying for financial aid, and struggling through devilishly hard math courses, we have managed to conquer 2015 without many bruises (or meltdowns) . We have grown so much since our nervous, awkward  freshman years. We’re adults now; we’re about to move on with the rest of our lives.

No, high school is nothing like the movies. Heath Ledger isn’t going to drop his bad boy act and ask you to prom. You aren’t going to have as much fun in Saturday school as they did in “The Breakfast Club”- although you are always welcome to try. Skipping school (don’t do that) doesn’t require some crazy elaborate plan, and Mr.Mansfield won’t come hunting you down. There’s no need to stick with “popular kids” you secretly hate. Don’t let Christian Slater talk you into killing these said “popular kids.”

High school isn’t about trying to emulate an 80’s movie; it’s how you making life happen in these halls.

Best of luck,

Bryanne Brewer