I can honestly say that I had no intention of walking into school on my last first day at Bullard High School and feel a bit of sadness, but as I walked through the doors to see the cheerful faces that had greeted me years before I couldn’t help but be a little heartbroken that our time at BHS was finally coming to an end.

It only seemed like yesterday we were those terrified freshman who wandered the hallways with confusing looks on our faces as we tried to keep out of the upperclassmen’s way. I remember wishing how cool it would be to be like them one day. To own this school like they did.

Now as I stare at all the fresh faces of what are now considered underclassmen to me, I feel as though I can finally understand what it’s like to be a senior.

I understand what it’s like to aimlessly prowl the hallways looking for something or someone to keep me occupied because simply, “I have nothing better to do.”

I understand what it’s like to complain about always being tired, but never admit that it was because I was up all night watching reruns.

I understand what it’s like to no longer have any regard for childish drama. In fact, I prefer to remain clueless walking the hallways with a stupid grin on my face.

I understand what it’s like to finally master the art of sleeping with your eyes open.

I understand what it’s like to have the phrase “aww this is the last time…” become an understatement. As well as the other famous phrases, “I can’t wait to get out of here!” and, “Dude, you totally slept through the whole class today!”

I understand what it’s like when even the teachers you never had, know you by name and reputation and vice versa.

I understand what it’s like to get my chance to tell underclassman horror stories about teachers in hopes that they will be as terrified as I was.

I understand what it’s like to cleverly use my talents of getting any teacher off topic for 45 minutes just to avoid doing any work.

I understand what it’s like to claim to be so excited to be entering “the real world” but deep down know that I am truly scared of doing so.

I understand what it’s like to now have my life consist of getting into college, scoring high on the SAT, applying for scholarships, working, and finally calling myself an adult.

I understand what it’s like to come to the realization that this is my last year to spend with the wonderful people that have earned a place in my heart over the years. These are the moments that I’m going to remember the most and that it’s time to make the best of it. I guess that’s really how I know I’m a senior.