Going into senior year, I was constantly asked how it feels to be a senior. Honestly, there is no definite answer, it changes daily. My opinion changes within the blink of an eye and that is what I’ve experienced so far my senior year.

When I think about it, there are a lot of things I will miss about high school, some of which include football games, dances, sports, friends, teachers, clubs and most importantly, my town. I have lived in Antioch pretty much my entire life, and it is bittersweet to know that I only have less than a year until I’m gone from the small town I’ve called home for 18 years.

Senior Graci Leineberg explains her thoughts of leaving the town of Antioch.

“It’s really sad to leave the people I’ve gone to school with forever,” Leineberg said. “At the same time, it’s exciting because I finally get to leave the nest and start a completely different life.”

This year will be filled with many lasts, which is something I knew was bound to happen, but never knew it would come this fast. I remember being a freshman just three years ago, full of excitement for high school and ready to take on whatever came my way. Fast forward three years and I’m writing about my senior year, ready for whatever happens once my time at ACHS has come to an end.

While I can’t wait to move on to college, the thing that scares me the most is the reality of having to grow up. Being the youngest of three, I have grown up being the baby in my household and relying on somebody when I didn’t know how to handle a situation. In just a short seven months, I can no longer rely on having my parents, siblings or friends to guide me. I will have to conquer the world on my own, realizing it is going to take a lot of work if I want to succeed.

Senior Amber Phillips explains how potentially leaving her sister can be the hardship of leaving for school.

“Leaving my sister, Rachel, is probably the scariest part because she’s been by my side my entire life,” Phillips said.

When spring comes and it’s time to put on that cap and gown, I will be ready. Ready to not only move on to bigger and better things, but to know that I will be leaving a legacy behind me. My time at ACHS has taught me many life lessons, ones that I will carry on with me for the rest of my life. The friends that I have met along the way, and the ones that have stuck with me through it all, will be the people I keep in my life for as long as possible.